Ajinkya Rahane is all set to don the captains’ hat in the second test match against Australia in Melbourne. India are trailing in the four-match series after losing the first test in Adelaide. Rahane personally did not have a good game, however, he has put that behind him and looks to do his best at MCG. In the pre-match presser, Rahane said that leading India is a proud moment for him.

Ajinkya Rahane further said that captaincy brings in added responsibility and opportunity however, he is not looking to take too much pressure.

“It is a proud moment for me leading India, obviously it is a great opportunity, responsibility as well but I don’t want to take any pressure. I think what I want to do is back my team. So focus is not on me, it is all about team and how we want to do well as a team. We are focussing on that” Rahane said.

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Will Allow Australia To Play Mind Games: Ajinkya Rahane

He further said that he will allow the Australians to play mind-games while focus on what his team needs to do to win the game.

“Australians are very good at playing mind games and I will let them do that. We are focussing on ourselves, what we want to do as a unit and we are going to back our every individuals,” Rahane said on the eve of the match.

Rahane also revealed the conversation that Virat Kohli had with the entire team before leaving home. He said Virat asked the team to stay in the present and enjoy each other’s success.

“Yeah, Virat spoke to all of us, before leaving. We had our team dinner in Adelaide, so he spoke to all of us about staying in the moment, playing for each other and yeah enjoying each other’s success and help each other out on the field.” Rahane said.

Ajinkya Rahane has led India in two Tests till date and won both of them. He will also bat at number four in Virat Kohli’s absence in this test match.

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