Rahane is looking to make a huge impact during his Test debut
India batsman Ajinkya Rahane is confident of having a successful Test debut against England during the first Test match at Ahmedabad on November 15.
Leading up to the Test series, Rahane scored 54 against England in a warm up match for India A and currently has a first-class batting average of 63.74, which is eighth-best in India domestic cricket history.
Speaking exclusively to MAIL TODAY, Rahane said: “I have had a couple of good outings — first against England and then against Railways — and having runs in the bag at the start of the season always help. Batting is all about confidence. When the going is good, one should try and cash in. With the series against England just round the corner, I feel the runs scored stand me in good stead.”
Rahane was also able to make a 200 run partnership with iconic India batsman Sachin Tendulkar while playing for Mumbai against Railways in the Ranji Trophy.
However, the most ironic aspect of that partnership is the fact that once Tendulkar decides to retire, Rahane will be the most likely candidate to take his spot on the India roster.
“It’s not every day that you get to bat in the middle with someone like Sachin paaji. We have all grown up watching him play and to share a 200-run partnership with him is something that I will cherish all my life, I really enjoyed every moment and the best part was that he kept encouraging me right through the innings. Batting alongside someone like him also teaches you a lot about batting. Talking to him about batting is an experience in itself. To share a 200-run partnership is like the icing on the cake,” Rahane added.
Even though Rahane was not part of the Test team that was whitewashed by England 4-0 last year, he was a member of the ODI squad that suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of the English.
But, Rahane knows that he cannot let himself get too engrossed in avenging India’s loss against England since the opportunity to cement his spot in the Test team is more important.
“I wasn’t part of the Test team back then and only played in the ODIs, but the loss left a scar in everyone’s mind. The upcoming series is very important for all of us and while every Indian fan would want us to complete a whitewash, it is very important that we take one match at a time and not think about the outcome of the series from the word go,” Rahane said.