“I realise that if I get a big score opening the innings, it will only help the team’s cause”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

India batsman Ajinkya Rahane has announced that “consistency will be an important factor” if he wants to keep his place in the national team.

Rahane’s comments come after he was dismissed on 68 during the fourth ODI against the West Indies in Dharamsala.

“I have always tried my best to improve certain aspects of my game and pick certain bits and pieces from practice sessions and the matches that I play,” Rahane told bcci.tv. “From the previous tours till now I have realised that consistency will be an important factor. I have often got starts for the team but not been able to convert them into big ones.

“I realise that if I get a big score opening the innings, it will only help the team’s cause. I would want to get a lot more consistent.

“To bring that consistency, my focus has been to keep up the momentum that I attained till I reached a score of 30 or 40. At the same time I have realised that I need to play risk free cricket and back myself to play proper cricketing shots.

“Opening the batting is an important slot in the batting order because it is the openers who set up the platform for the team during a run-chase or while setting a target. For improving my concentration I meditate and read books.”

Rahane has excelled ever since he started opening the batting for India in ODIs. However, he admitted that he welcomes competition from his fellow compatriots since it challenges him to become better both physically and mentally.

“It is always good to have healthy competition when you are playing for your country,” he said. “You need to accept it as a challenge, especially at this stage, when you are playing tough cricket. I enjoy the competition.

“MS Dhoni had a chat with me and asked me to back my strengths and play according to them. I am at the moment concentrating on backing my own game and performing to my potential. I always try to focus on the present and work towards it rather than thinking about the future tours.”