Twitter
Advertisement

India v/s Afghanistan Test match: We will be ruthless, Ajinkya Rahane talks tough

Considering it an "honour" to be leading India in Afghanistan's first ever Test, Rahane said he and his team will go all out to win. "We will be ruthless," Rahane said.

Latest News
article-main
Ajinkya Rahane getting ready for the match
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

With most of the Indian players coming off IPL, they are certainly not lacking in match practice. Even Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara has been in touch playing for Yorkshire in English county circuit until last week. More than the skills, it is the mindset that they have to get attuned to as India gear up to take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test that is a historic occasion for the newest member to the Test club.

Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, who will lead the side in whites for the second time after filling in for Virat Kohli in Dharamsala against Australia in 2017, said on the match eve on Wednesday here: "The team which we have is really good. A couple of practice sessions in Bangalore was fantastic, after coming back from the IPL, it's important that we train our minds rather than skills because getting back to Test cricket after T20 is all about tuning your mind rather than focussing on your skills. We wouldn't like to take Afghanistan lightly. We know they're a decent team."

Considering it an "honour" to be leading India in Afghanistan's first ever Test, Rahane said he and his team will go all out to win. "We will be ruthless," Rahane said.

"It's like any other Test match for us. As a Test team, we cannot take anyone for granted. Because cricket is a funny game. We just want to go out there and play our best. We are going to focus on our strengths and our positives.

Yes, we respect them as an opponent, but it's important for all of us to go out there and give more than 100 per cent.

"It's important that in Test cricket, throughout the five days, every session matters a lot. It is important that you do your best all the time. And our spinners, Kuldeep, Ashwin or Jadeja, are all experienced, they are quality spinners. They back each other, they enjoy bowling with each other even in the nets and in the match."

Rahane said that comeback wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik will bring experience to the table. "His experience, his form, and the way he was batting in the Asia Cup especially and also in the IPL, his form will help us. His experience playing those domestic games will help. He has also played Tests in the past. Coming back after a long time is special, it's good to have him in the team," said Rahane.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement