India’s opening batsman Ajinkya Rahane played a good innings in the fifth ODI against Australia and made his case for the opening slot even stronger. Rahane has been a stand-in opener for India, as Virat Kohli and the team management prefer to go with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan in limited overs cricket.
However, Rahane has done well whenever he has been asked to open the innings. It is not easy to play in a situation like this because you are never sure about your place in the team. Even after scoring runs, Rahane might end up on the bench in the next game because Dhawan is India’s first choice opener alongside Rohit Sharma.
But, credit to Ajinkya Rahane for keeping himself motivated and doing well whenever he is given a chance. After the fifth ODI, Rahane addressed the media and spoke about the completion among him, Dhawan and Rohit Sharma for the opening slot.
Ajinkya Rahane said that his focus is only on giving his best for the team and enjoy his game.
“I think this wicket wasn’t easy, 240 was a job well done with the ball, but when we batted, the ball was coming really slowly, I enjoyed my knock today. I always want to do my best, Shikhar and Rohit have done well for us, we love the competition.”
The Mumbai batsman said that he and Rohit know each other’s strengths and compliment each other. He also added that Team India never took Australia lightly because they are a top quality team and deserve respect.
“Me and Rohit complement each other, we know our strengths, we wanted to time the ball and get a good opening partnership, that gave us the momentum. We never took them (Australia) lightly, they are a quality team and we need to recognise that. But we were playing at home and we knew these pitches better.”
