IPL 2016: Ajinkya Rahane confident about his game, wants to stick to basics

Ajinkya Rahane has been consistent for Rising Pune Supergiants, getting six fifty-plus scores this season. He plays with a straight bat and has an orthodox shot selection even in the shortest format of the game. With the success he has seen so far in his short but eventful career while just sticking to his basics, he thinks it is not necessary for him to play fancy shots or try imitating other cricketers.

"Sounds cliched but it's good to keep things simple and bat in a manner that suits my game. Playing with a straight bat and hitting proper cricketing shots has worked for me so far, and I don't feel I need to copy any other batsman as I have my own distinct style.

“That's my mantra.”

Pune have had a forgettable IPL-9, with just 3 wins from 12 games. However, one positive they can take from this season is Rahane’s consistency. The right-hand batsman has scored 419 runs in 12 innings at an average of 41.90 and scored a highest of 74.

Meditation helps my concentration: Rahane

Rahane believes that he is improving every day, and is capable of playing “different kind of shots”. Meditation and breathing techniques are his go-to mantra while on the pitch, as well as while preparing for big games.

Playing for India in the shortest format, the 27-year-old has scored 364 runs in 18 innings at a strike-rate of 113.75.

"I do meditation everyday which helps my concentration. While batting I try deep breathing process when I am at the non-striker's end. In between deliveries, 2-3 deep breaths helps in regaining the intensity. You tend to think better and it has worked well for me,” he said to TOI.

He lives by the words of Swamy Parthasarathy, 'Life mein agar kuch paaney ki tamanna hain toh usko pahle khona padta hain. Use bhool jao aur uske baarein main zyada socho mat’ (If you aspire something, you need to lose it first and forget about it completely to actually gain it back).

Talking about the competition with his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli, who is in the best form of his life, Rahane pitched in that they both have the same goal, which is to win games for India. They work as a team, and he is proud of what Virat has achieved.

The Indian team will be entering the next cricketing season with a lot of positivity, given the excellent form of Kohli, Rahane, KL Rahul and others. They are set to play 17 Test matches in the upcoming season against England, Australia, New Zealand and West Indies.