India vs Australia 2017: Ajinkya Rahane opens up about his ODI chances after Dhawan's return

What's the story?

Ahead of the third ODI against Australia in Indore, Indian opener Ajinkya Rahane faced the media and spoke on various things which include the low scoring games, form of Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav, Sachin Tendulkar's inspiration etc.

He was also put in a tricky situation when he was asked about the return of Shikhar Dhawan and what will he handle the situation once the left-hander returns. Rahane was diplomatic and said he will try and give his best for the team without thinking about the future.

"See, I don't think about the future. I always give my best whenever I get an opportunity and that's what matters the most. Also, I always think about staying in present and we all don't know what will happen in the future. For me, the best thing is to stick to my game plan, back myself, give my best whenever I get a chance and contribute to the team. Every time you cannot think about the result and scoring hundreds. But, even if you score crucial 40s, 50s and 60s, that matters to the team. I always want to do that and when Shikhar returns, we all don't know what is going to happen. But, at the moment, for me, it's important to give my best for my team," Rahane said.

In case you didn't know...

Shikhar Dhawan, who was named in the Indian squad to face the Aussies, was released from the squad before the first ODI as he wanted to be with his ill wife and in his absence, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma opened the innings for India in the first two ODIs.

Details

Dhawan and Rohit have been India's first-choice openers in the format as they have tasted a lot of success as a pair in the past. In the absence of Rohit, Rahane scored a lot of runs in West Indies that helped him win the Man of the Series awards.

Even that could not help him from cementing his place at the top of the order. In spite of scoring a crucial 50 in the second ODI, Rahane's place in the playing XI is not yet sealed.

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Author's Take

Rohit and Dhawan have been doing a great job for the team at the top of the order. Rahane, who is the team as the third-choice opener, has scored some crucial runs in the absence of either of them. Still, the unlucky Mumbaikar will have to make way for Dhawan (just like what happened to Karun Nair when Rahane returned to the Test squad for the Bangladesh series) if the selectors name him in the Indian squad for the last two ODIs.