Ajinkya Rahane is currently in the United Kingdom with the Indian team. They are gearing up for the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand. It will be followed by a 5-match Test series against England in August. The Indian team is currently in quarantine with their families at the Hilton in Southampton.
In a recent appearance on one of ESPNCricinfo’s shows, the Test vice-captain spoke about the advice he received from Sachin Tendulkar during the latter’s farewell match. He goes on to mention it increased his motivation and passion for the game.
This game will also be loyal to you – Sachin Tendulkar
Although Ajinkya Rahane was selected in the Indian Test squad back in 2011, he could only make his debut in 2013. That was against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Rahane stated that he remained unfazed and properly utilized those times and remained patient.
“I got motivation when Sachin Tendulkar during his last Test match talked to me because I never expected what he told me that day. I kept on working hard and in his last Test match in which everything was around him, everything was happening for him, during those times he took out his time and told me something I will never forget,” Rahane said.
The ‘Master Blaster’, who retired on 16 November 2013 after playing his 200th Test match, praised Ajinkya Rahane for keeping up his commitment no matter how hard the journey was.
“The hard-work which you were doing from past two years I was watching very closely. It was very tough for you, I think many players would have been demotivated in this situation. But the commitment which you have showcased as a 12th man, whatever your fitness drills you used to do, you did with commitment and really hats-off. You kept on working hard for 2 years, you have been loyal to this game, this game will also be loyal to you,” Tendulkar said to Rahane.