Ajinkya Rahane eyes ODI comeback with consistent show in Tests
The last time Ajinkya Rahane played an ODI for India was in February 2018 in South Africa. Since then, India's Test deputy has not been able to find a place in the Indian XI in limited-overs cricket.
However, Rahane, who is an integral part of the Test team, believes he can make it to the Indian ODI team if he keeps on piling runs in red-ball cricket.
"I just need to play well in the Test matches, keep scoring runs and I am confident that I will be back in the ODI side," Rahane told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh beginning Thursday.
"It is all about self-belief and being confident. Staying in the present will help me, if I contribute to the side's cause in Tests, I am sure I will be back in the ODI squad," he added.
The 31-year-old has represented India in 90 ODIs in which he has amassed 2,962 runs at 35.26. During the 87 ODI innings he got a chance to bat, Rahane scored three centuries and 24 half-centuries.
Team India, currently ranked No. 1 in Tests, would be brimming with confidence following their historic 3-0 victory over South Africa and would enter the two-Test series against Bangla Tigers as overwhelming favourites.
However, Rahane insists the hosts will not take Bangladesh lightly and focus on working on their own strengths.
"Bangladesh is a very good team. They play as a unit. We focus on our strengths rather than thinking about opposition. With the Test championship, every match is important," said Rahane.
"We are focussing on the Indore Test right now. I thought we played really well against South Africa, but as a side, we must stay in the present and we do not take any opponent lightly," he added.
The two teams will also feature in their first Day-Night Test at the Eden Gardens slated to begin from November 22.
The team management has already made a request to the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) to organise for training under lights for Virat Kohli and boys as they prepare for their maiden pink-ball affair.
Speaking to BCCI.tv, Rahane had already spoken about the need to train well to adapt to the challenges that come with playing with the pink ball.
"I am very excited personally. It is a new challenge. I don't know how it will turn out but we will get an idea when we have a couple of practice sessions. Only then we will get an idea of how much the pink ball swings and how it works session wise," he pointed.
"Fans perspective wise also it will be interesting. I think as a batsman lateral movement will be there and it will be best if you play late, that is my personal idea. Adapting shouldn't be a problem," he added.
