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Ajinkya Rahane made it back to India's Test side on the back of performances in Ranji Trophy 2022-23 and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. While Rahane's comeback was possible after Shreyas Iyer got injured, Rahane is not looking to dwell on past and wants to keep doing what he has been doing for the last few months.
"Coming back after 18-19 months, whatever has happened, good or bad, I don't want to think about my past. I just want to start afresh and keep doing whatever I have been doing," Rahane told BCCI.TV on the sidelines of India's training session.
“Personally enjoyed playing for CSK as I have been batting well throughout the season, even before IPL. I had a very good domestic season and I felt good. So this comeback was a bit emotional for me.”
Rahane found form in T20 cricket again in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) colours. His strike rate improved exponentially and the world saw a Rahane 2.0 version when he samshed a 26-ball 61 against Mumbai Indians (MI).
"I want to bat with the same mindset and show same intent that I showed before coming here in IPL and Ranji Trophy. I would not like to think about format whether it is T20 or Tests. The way I am batting now, I don't want to complicate things and the more I keep it simple, better it is for me," the 34-year-old said.
Rahane lauds Rohit
Rahane who led India to a Test series win in Australia in the absence of Virat Kohli and a depleted squad due to injuries praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership skills that helped India qualify for WTC final.
"I thought culture in team now is really good. Rohit is handling the team really well and I am sure Rahul bhai is also handling the team really well. That helps as well and atmosphere is really good. Whatever I am seeing right now is that everyone is enjoying each other's company," he said.
Test snub was emotional for Rahane
Rahane thanked his family and friends for believing in him as he went through a tough time after getting dropped from the national side.
"It was (an) emotional moment for me. When I got dropped, the support I got from my family was massive and dream was to play for India and that was massive. Playing for India matters a lot for me and I worked hard on my fitness and went back to domestic cricket."
"Thanks to BCCI and selectors and when I went back to domestic cricket, the goal was to play for India -- be it Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or practice session, for me, every day that I was waking up, it was all about thinking that I can play for India again.
"What made my comeback possible was enjoying each and every moment, be it success or failure, and having no regrets. Learning from every individual in Mumbai Ranji team. You have to grow as a cricketer every single day, learning process shouldn't stop," he said.
Weather plays vital role in England
Rahane who has a batting average of 26.03 in England accepted that batting is challenging in England. His only Test century on English soil came in 2014 at Lord's.
"It's all about mindset and reading the situation well, staying in (the) moment and playing it session by session. In England, you just don't look at the pitch but also keep an eye on the weather. In England, you never feel that you are in even if you are batting on 70," he said.
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