JOIN USRahane relieved after century
Thrilled at slamming a century in the newly promoted No 3 position, Ajinkya Rahane said he was determined to rectify the mistakes of the first innings and pep talks from team director Ravi Shastri and batting coach Sanjay Bangar helped his cause.
“When I got out in the first innings (for 4 runs) I was very hurt. I worked with Sanjay (Bangar), we came earlier and did some throw downs. So his hard work and Ravi bhai’s inputs really helped me in the second innings. My aim was to play as close to my body as possible and later on just build my innings. So I was just looking to play the ball, take my time and once I was set I wanted to play a long innings.
“This hundred will give me a great confidence because conditions were pretty challenging. It was hot out there and it was very challenging to focus on the moment. I wanted to play a long innings because in cricket if one wicket falls anything can happen. Rohit (Sharma) and I wanted to build a strong partnership and that’s what we did.”
Rahane, who forged a 140-run partnership with Murali Vijay, said their determined display in the morning paved the way for the others. “Our intent has always been positive. Even in the first innings, Virat (Kohli) and (KL) Rahul played very positively.
“In the second innings, we wanted to dominate the bowling. I think the partnership between Vijay and myself gave us that momentum. Virat and Rohit came in and took their time. I feel that intent has to be there and results will follow automatically.”
With eight Sri Lankan wickets standing between India and a series-levelling win, Rahane said the team needs to have patience on Monday. “I think match is poised pretty well. We just have to be in the present because throughout four days we played some good cricket. It is important to be in the present. And tomorrow take it one wicket at a time. We just need to be patience. That will be the key, because wicket is getting slower and slower. There will be good partnerships but one good session for us and we can win this Test match.”