It's always good when there's competition in team: Rahane

His place in the side is not guaranteed, but promising India batsman Ajinkya Rahane has said that it is always good to have a healthy competition in the team and he is ready to wait for his chance. 

"It's always good when there's competition in team. I'm very happy that everyone is doing well. I will wait for the opportunity. Right now I feel the combination is doing well. It is a big sign for the team. I never think of myself," said Rahane.

Stating that he is constantly working towards improving his game, Rahane said he should not find it difficult to gel in when the need arises.

"It will only get difficult when you don't prepare. If you practice sincerely and purposefully, I know when I get a chance my mind will be ready. My focus is to work hard and prepare well. 

"IPL was a different thing. But when you represent your country, it's the management who decides the best combination for the team. I think they take the best decision. Whether I'm in XI or not, my job is to improve my game. I'm confident about my ability," he insisted.

'There's a lot of positivity in me'

Rahane says fitness is something he is focussing on. 

"Fitness is also a big point in T20. You have to be very agile. It's not just about technique but control. Fielding also plays a big role. I've given priority to fitness. My priority is always there to do some activity," he said. Till the time he is not included in the playing XI, Rahane said he is happy to carry the drinks as a 12th man.

"It's also a big thing to give water to your teammates by being a 12th man in a match, it's your country who's is getting benefited. If you do something by heart, it always feels good. Ultimately you're representing your country.

"I'm never self centered and there's a lot of positivity in me, "What's there to feel disappointed about? Even if I'm not in the XI, it's important for me that I'm helping my teammates out," said the 27-year-old.

'For me it's important to keep contributing'

Rahane insisted that 'underrated' was a tag given to him by the media. 

"These are tags you give. If you keep writing my name I will never remain underrated. I don't think much whether I'm underrated or famed. For me it's important to keep contributing. If I do that, recognition will follow." 

Rahane said he's opening up a bit more and expressing himself more these days, egged on by his wife. 

"My wife has told me many times that I should open up a bit more. I was very shy even while I was doing karate. 

"It's important to speak for yourself. It's important to express yourself. I think my confidence has increased," said Rahane.