Ajinkya Rahane: I am not trying to run away or hide

Ajinkya Rahane

Each time Ajinkya Rahane hit the turf last year, he was viewed with a microscopic lens. In his last 15 Tests, Rahane scored just 547 runs in 27 innings. He averaged just 20.83 from 13 Tests last year. The axe seemed closer to him after yet another poor series in South Africa, a tour for which he was relieved of the Test vice-captaincy. The Mumbai stalwart is now back in a familiar setting - with his Ranji Trophy teammates - in a quest to get his mojo back. In a candid interview with mid-day on Friday, Rahane opened up about his lean patch and his wish to captain India in Tests on a full-time basis.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

Will there be a different approach to Ranji Trophy considering your form?
My approach will be similar to any other game. I am not going to change anything. I know the importance of the Ranji Trophy because I have come from there. I had to play five-six seasons of the Ranji Trophy before making my India debut. I am really looking forward to it. Yes, the way my form has been in the last one-and-a-half year…there have been ups and downs and they come to every cricketer. So, it is a phase which is temporary. It is important to give my best at whatever level I play. Right now, I am focusing on the Ranji Trophy and looking forward to giving my best to the Mumbai team, which have a rich history.

How are you coping with the intense scrutiny on your form?
Everyone goes through this [lean phase] and I accept it. I am not trying to run away or hide behind anything. As far as talk around my form is concerned, people will talk irrespective of whether it is good or bad. That's life, it will go on. For me, it is important to control the controllables. As far as I am learning from my mistakes, growing as a cricketer, that is important. I am not worried or thinking about who is saying what, and why are they constantly talking about me.

Is there an innings you often watch to lift your mood?
I rarely watch my innings, but I have a habit of writing down in a diary what my mindset was when I played this knock or what was my process before the innings. I try to follow the process and maintain that routine or come closer to that mindset. I don't just focus on my hundreds, even those crucial 30s, 40s or 50s are vital contributions. In 2015, I remember scoring 38 not out to help the team draw the game at Sydney [last Test of the 2014-15 tour]. That innings for me was very special. The 48 [in the second innings v SA] at Johannesburg in 2018 was another crucial knock for the team [India won by 63 runs]. Yes, the hundred (147) at Melbourne in 2014-15 tour or the 112 [at the same ground] during the last tour (in 2020-21) were special. You won't score a century every time, but what matters is your contribution to the team's victory and in what situation you scored those runs. I give a lot of importance to these small little contributions and not just think about my hundreds at Lord's, Melbourne or Wellington [2013-14]. I have made valuable contributions with 60s, 80s, or even 30s and 40s.

Is playing with your daughter Aarya the perfect stress-buster?
Just being with her is a huge thing...her smile means a lot. She doesn't expect anything from me, [she] just gives me a lot of love every time. Whenever I go back [home] after a practice session or match, she keeps me involved completely with something. So, you don't have time to think about anything with her [around].

Any particular aspect of your game you would look to improve?
I am always looking to improve as a cricketer whether it is technique, fitness or agility. There is no particular aspect as such; it's an overall thing.

Are you thinking of the Test captaincy?
I am just focusing on the Ranji Trophy. That's been my formula always. While saying this, I have led the country in Australia [2020-21] and also in India against Australia [2016-17], that was the proudest moment for me. If the opportunity comes my way…I have always enjoyed taking that responsibility. So yes, captaining the Indian team is something very special.

How did you marshal the troops to bounce back after the 36-9 in the first Adelaide D/N Test in 2020?
If we had to win the series, Melbourne [second Test] was the only match for us to come back. Knowing the Australians, when they have an upper hand, they just don't give you an inch. It was the turning point and I am happy I contributed to the team's victory. That hundred was very special. I kept things very simple. My focus was not on the result. All I asked for was to give our best as a team. I was in my room after the 36 [and thought] it was important that firstly I should have the belief for a turnaround in the series. That was the only way I could have passed on that belief to my teammates. I was thinking all the time about how will I bring this belief [in] because it is not just based on one factor. Even then, a lot of people were talking about my batting. But for me, it was important to focus on the team and how I can get the best from each and every individual rather than thinking about my own performance. I knew if we kept things simple, play for each other, enjoy each other's success and prepare well, the rest will take care of itself.

14
No. of months since Rahane last scored a Test century