mobanmarketIndore: 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.
###