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Sachin Tendulkar told me to 'back my game', says Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is not a regular in the Indian limited overs set-up and there was some conversation with Sachin Tendulkar about how to improve his game. Rahane had posted a picture on his twitter page with Tendulkar talking to him at the Bandra Kurla Complex indoor nets.

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Ajinkya Rahane is not a regular in the Indian limited overs set-up and there was some conversation with Sachin Tendulkar about how to improve his game. Rahane had posted a picture on his twitter page with Tendulkar talking to him at the Bandra Kurla Complex indoor nets.

For any cricketer, an interaction with Sachin Tendulkar on batting is priceless and no wonder Ajinkya Rahane's confidence was boosted when the maestro dropped in during one of his net sessions in Mumbai recently.

"For four days, I did nets at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC in Mumbai). When I met him (Tendulkar), he said, "back your game. You will get opportunities sometimes and sometimes you won't. What's in your hands is your preparation. You should have right mindset. He did not say anything about my technique but spoke only on the mental aspect." Tendulkar, who has enjoyed a lot of success against Australia, spoke about the length that their bowlers bowl at.

"He has played a lot against Australia and he mentioned what line and length they bowl. How to prepare for that. I have got confidence after talking to him," Rahane said on the eve of the third ODI.  

India and Australia will lock horns for the third time in the ongoing five-match ODI series in Indore on Sunday.

Rahane has claimed that the Men in Blue are confident after their win in Kolkata but are not taking the opposition for granted. Rahane also said that the fact some of the Australian batsmen are finding it hard to pick up the spin twins, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, is actually a good sign for the Indian team.

Addressing the media in a press conference, Rahane said, "Both the guys (Chahal and Yadav) are doing well and are quality spinners. What they have done is not only take wickets in middle overs in ODI cricket and also not giving away runs. This is an excellent thing that the duo have managed to do. I am sure they are looking to improve day by day and not taking anything for granted. It is a good sign that they are finding it difficult to pick them up."

Rahane, who opens the innings for the hosts with Rohit Sharma in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan was asked to analyze his own batting. To which he said, "I do my best when I get my opportunity. I cant contemplate in the future. My focus is to back my game and give my best. Every time you cannot think of a 100, crucial 45-50 runs is equally important. I am also focusing on not to repeat the mistakes from the 1st ODI and how to counter-attack the Aussies from the first few overs."

When asked on the form of Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav, Rahane said, "Manish and Kedar are important to this side. It is important to give them confidence and back them. They had a good series in Sri Lanka and the team management is also backing them." On the flexibility of the batting order, Rahane said, "The good thing about this team is anyone can bat anywhere. It is important how you handle a situation and how you visualize it. Also, the minor adjustments are made in the mind." The Holkar stadium is known to be a batsman's paradise. Rahane said that he knew that the boundaries at the venue are small and hence a lot of runs could be on offer. However, he concluded by saying, "We are not taking things for granted. We are taking it one game at a time."

(With PTI Inputs)

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