India batsman Ajinkya Rahane might have missed out on selection in the limited-overs squads for the ongoing tour of England but he remains focused on doing well in the five-match Test series.
Rahane last played white-ball cricket for India in the ODI series against South Africa this March. He hit 79-run knock in the first ODI before following it up with scores of 11, 8, 8 and 34 in his subsequent innings. His last T20I appearance came all the way back in 2016 against the West Indies.
Despite being ignored for selection for some time now, the Mumbai batsman believes he can make a comeback in white-ball cricket.
“I don’t think that this (being left out of the ODI and T20I squads) is affecting me. The important thing is to believe in your abilities. I am aware of my capabilities and how good I am. It is all about believing in yourselves, rather than thinking about things that are not in your control,” Rahane said in an interview with Cricketnext.
Rahane will play a big role in India’s Test series against England.
“It is part and parcel of a professional cricketer’s life. I know I can make a comeback and I have really done well in the shorter formats in the past. I think, right now, the important thing is to practice hard and go out there and enjoy myself. For me, it is important to serve my country, be it any format. It is important to contribute to my team’s cause and do well for my country,” he added.
The batsman is currently training in Mumbai in preparation of the Test series against England where he will play a crucial role in India’s middle-order.
“The conditions there help the ball move a bit – depending upon the weather. If it is cloudy, the ball moves a bit and if it’s sunny then the wickets are pretty good to bat on. I want to cover each and every aspect of batting, so that I am able to tackle any type of condition which we will be facing in England and do well there,” Rahane said about his ongoing preparation for the tour.
