Important to start well in WI: Rahane

The last time Ajinkya Rahane played in a Test, he scored centuries in both innings, against South Africa at the Kotla in New Delhi and bettered his otherwise poor record at home in his three-year Test career so far.

Six months on Rahane will be back playing a Test, in unfamiliar conditions, in the West Indies. But the 28-year-old Mumbaikar is ready for the challenge he will face on his first tour to the Caribbean with the senior team.

“Actually this is my second time to the West Indies. I was last there with India A. Yes it is my first time with India and I am really excited about it and looking forward to the series. I have prepared myself really well.

“Every tour is challenging, be it the West Indies, England or Australia. We have to accept challenges and try to dominate which is the key at the top-level. It will be challenging because the West Indies are a decent team and we will give them respect but it is important to overcome challenges and start well in the series,” he said at an event here on Tuesday.

Rahane will have added responsibility as he has been made deputy to Virat Kohli for the four-match Test series. Rahane hasn’t captained much at the domestic level except at the junior stages but he was India skipper on the Zimbabwe tour last year and he led a second string India to a 3-0 ODI series sweep.

India play four Tests in the West Indies starting July 21 in Antigua under new coach Anil Kumble. Later they face as many as 13 home Tests starting with three matches against New Zealand in September-October. Being a long season, Rahane may be required to lead the side at times in absence of Kohli and he is ready for the challenge.

“It is good responsibility as vice-captain of the Test team. I love challenges and love taking responsibilities. There is no added pressure on me, I am sure this responsibility will bring the best of me.”

“I am really looking forward to this tour (as vice-captain).

“I learned a lot from the Zimbabwe trip as a captain to back and support players and take full responsibility whatever happens as a captain,” he added.