Ajinkya Rahane is currently gearing for the 2-match Test series against West Indies beginning from Thursday in Rajkot. For the first time in this calendar year, the Indian vice-captain in Tests will assist Virat in leading a team which consists of a good number of youngsters. And ahead of the first Test, Rahane stated that the upcoming matches are going to be a great opportunity for those young guns to prove themselves and play freely on the field.
“The series is an opportunity for each and every individual particularly for the guys who are coming in like Prithvi (Shaw), Mayank (Agarwal) and (Mohammed) Siraj as they have all done well in domestic matches for India A,” Rahane said.
“There is no pressure at all. It is all about going there and expressing yourself. Give your best and have fun,” he added.
When asked about his Mumbai mate Prithvi Shaw, who made it to the Test squad for West Indies series, Rahane said that he is really happy for him while also expressing belief that the former would perform well in the matches.
“I am really happy for him. He is an attacking opening batsman. He has done so well for Mumbai on a consistent basis. I wish him good luck. I am sure he will do well,” Rahane expressed.
Speaking about team's strategy, Rahane asserted that they would focus on their strengths without taking their opponents lightly.
“We will not take the Windies side lightly. We would like to focus on our positives and improve our performance. As a team, it is important to see how we can improve our game,” he stated.
India are scheduled to play West Indies in the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from October 4, followed by the second Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from October 12.