The 25-year-old also did well in the limited opportunities he got in the one-dayers. Back again in the national fold, Rahane is itching to go out and do well for his country. The right-hander spoke to TOI on various aspects....
Excerpts from an interview....
You must be feeling good after being back in the Indian team....
It's great to be back in the one-day fold. I am thankful to almighty and the selectors for the faith they have shown in me. I am confident about myself. I am well prepared for the series. I have played domestic games, played for Indian Oil in Times Shield and before that I had a good outing in Champions League. I have worked a lot on my batting and my self-belief has improved. I have fair idea about my batting now. So I am just waiting for the opportunity. Whenever it comes my way I will try to grab it.
Touring South Africa with India 'A' must have been a good experience, especially that second Test....
Most of the wickets during South Africa tour were good for batting and it was only wicket which had some bounce and a bit of movement. Even though we were 10-5, I was confident that we could pull it off as I was batting well. My mindset has been positive for the last few months and that helped me in staying calm in the pressure situations. That 85-run knock was very crucial for me and I learned a lot. I have been before there during IPL 2 and now I have fair idea about the conditions.
When it comes to IPL, you seem to have a different role. Do you think it's helping you out?
I have been given certain role in Rajasthan Royals. I am glad it's coming off very well. It has made me more responsible. I have learned a lot from Rahul (Dravid) Bhai and our batting consultant Zubin Bharucha. I explored different aspect of my game; how can I bring different changes in different situations. I was not only anchoring the innings but also attacking on different situations.
Recently Shane Watson said you have the capability to be next No.4 in the Indian Test line-up. Your thoughts....
Coming from Shane Watson, it's a big thing for me. He has been playing international cricket for long and we have good bonding over the years during IPL. However, it's not easy for anyone to fill big shoes of Sachin Paaji. He has consistently performed at every level for over two decades. I am not thinking on those lines. I have just started my career. I am a top order player. I have opened as well as batted at No. 3 in days cricket. So it's up to the team management to take call. I am not at all thinking about No.4 position. I just want to be myself.
Watson also praised you for your calmness in pressure situations. Have always been like that or developed over a period of time?
As a person I am very calm and relaxed. Maybe that has translated into my on field performance. When you start playing at the highest level, you learn how to react on certain situations. How many matches Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai has won by remaining calm at the pressure situations? Sachin Paaji and Rahul Bhai have always batted with calmness in their long careers. I have been watching them closely ever since I came to Indian team. Their mindset; how they react in pressure.
What was the last piece of advice from Sachin?
He told me 'I have closely watched you. You have good attitude towards the game and you have been conducting yourself very well. Always try to remain the same and it will help you achieve greater things in life. You will have your opportunities and make sure you grab it'. I always thank God to give me the opportunity to play with him. I have shared dressing room with him in Mumbai Indians, Mumbai Ranji team and then in Indian dressing room. He has always been my role model. I have watched him as a ball boy and to share dressing room with him was an honour for me. One thing I learn from him is humility. He is such a nice person on and off the field. There can never be another like. No doubt he will be missed.
Zaheer Khan is back in the team. He is your Mumbai captain this year and you have seen him closely. Your thoughts....
I am extremely happy to see him in the national team. He is very experienced player and has worked a lot on his fitness. He is bowling in very good rhythm and was terrific against Delhi. His experience will certainly help the team, especially in the overseas conditions.
Do you think Indian cricket is going through the best phase with so many youngsters coming good?
Yes, there's competition for places, which is always very healthy sign for the team. Personally I like competition. Competition has always brought best in me.
You and Cheteshwar Pujara have played together for long. How is the bonding between you two?
There's very good bonding between us right from Under-14 days. We played zonal matches together at junior level and then played for Indian Oil together. We had some really big partnerships over the years. I remember the match against Air India where I scored 282 and he scored 270 odd. Even in one-dayers, we had some long alliance. We know each other's game very well, complement each other.
After the West Indies tour, India will tour abroad mostly. Last time we struggled in England and Australia? How do you see things this time?
Things have changed now. Playing abroad is always challenging but most of the players have already played in different countries either as a part of One-day team or 'A' tours. I can't predict what will happen in the future but we will certainly be better prepared for any condition. Everyone knows what to expect in away conditions.
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