The Cricket World Cup 2023, beginning in October this year, would be the first edition when the Caribbean team failed to qualify. Before the first test against the West Indies team, which is starting on Wednesday, skipper Rohit Sharma’s deputy Ajinkya Rahane emphasized that the team would not underestimate the hosts West Indies team despite their recent bad form. Ajinkya Rahane would be tested against a threatening Caribbean bowling line up.
World Test Championship Begins
The World Test Championship 2023-25 begins with Team India taking on the West Indies in a two-match series. The first Test is starting from Wednesday 12, in Dominica.
Team prepares well against the Hosts
Ajinkya Rahane was seen in the press conference ahead of the match and stated that the team has respect for the host team and has good preparation against them.
“We have a good preparation. We played well in the practice match. We as a team respect West Indies. They are not the ones to be taken lightly,” said Ajinkya Rahane.
West Indies have performed well at home during the last couple of years or so, specially in tests. We are looking to give our 100 percent and backing our gameplan and strengths,” he added.
Ajinkya Rahane praises Yashasvi Jaiswal
Ajinkya Rahane was also happy for his Mumbai teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is selected in the team squad and could make his debut in the international team on this tour and bat at No,3 position.
“I am so happy for Jaiswal. He has worked so hard, and scored runs for Mumbai in domestic cricket and IPL. He is an exciting talent and the way he is batting is nice. My message for him is that he expresses himself while he is batting, plays with freedom, and does not think about the fact that he is playing international cricket.” said Ajinkya Rahane.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the fifth-highest scorer in the IPL this year with an average of 48 in 15 matches. He also scored over 1800 runs in domestic cricket with an average of above 80 in 15 matches. Ajinkya Rahane emphasized that the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara is an opportunity for players to spot the number 3 place.
Ajinkya Rahane happy to be vice-captain
Rahane was happy to be back in the team and holding the responsibility of vice-captain. Rahane said playing for Chennai Super Kings gave him freedom. Ajinkya Rahane had an exceptional IPL season where he scored 326 runs with an average of 32 and strike rate of 172. He also praised Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
“My IPL season was good along with the domestic season as well. Currently I am enjoying my cricket and don’t want to think much about the future. Every match is important for me and the team’s point of view, and I am focusing on that.” said Ajinkya Rahane.
“I was given role of an anchor earlier. CSK allowed me to play my natural game. My natural game allows me to play strokes and go for runs. Here, I will fulfill whatever role Rohit (Sharma) gives me. I like playing under Rohit. he gives everyone freedom and backs them(players). This is a good sign of a captain,” he added.