Zimbabwe-bound Rahane 'looking for consistency in ODIs'

India's captain for the One-day series in Zimbabwe addressed the media prior to the team's departure. Harish Kotian/Rediff.com reports. 

For Ajinkya Rahane, captaincy is a new challenge. Yet, he is confident of doing well in the upcoming One-day series against Zimbabwe.

"I have captained Mumbai in the Under-19 level and in the T20 format. My experience was quite good even though we could not finish on the winning side. But I can certainly use some of that experience in Zimbabwe," he said in Mumbai on Monday, on the eve of the Indian team’s departure for the southern African nation.

In the absence of several senior players, like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, Rahane will lead a second-string Indian squad in the series, comprising three ODIs and two T20s, starting July 10.

The Mumbai batsman, who played only one of the three One-Day Internationals on the just-concluded series in Bangladesh, revealed he has identified his shortcomings in the 50-over format.

"I am looking for consistency in ODIs. Whenever I bat in Tests and T20s I am in a different zone. It’s all about mindset and how I prepare before the ODI series. For me consistency will be the key in ODIs," he declared.

Rahane scored nine runs from 25 balls in the first ODI in Bangladesh, which India lost by 79 runs, and was replaced by Ambati Rayudu for the next two.

The right-hander said he discussed his axing with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the side in Bangladesh, and tried to figure out ways to improve his batting in ODIs.

"The Bangladesh tour is past now and my focus has always been to concentrate on the present tours and look to improve my batting. I always take things in a positive way.

"I spoke to Dhonibhai and he gave his feedback to me and I took it in a positive way. My only aim is to improve my cricket, my cricketing knowledge and go forward," he added.

Another key challenge Rahane faces is the implementation of new rules in One-Day cricket, which includes doing away with the close-in catchers in the first ten overs, no Batting Powerplay and five fielders being allowed outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs.

"The new rules will be very exciting and challenging for us, but we will have to wait and see what will happen. We will get an idea after the first ODI once we play against Zimbabwe. It will be really exciting and challenging for all the players, batsmen and bowlers as well.

"We will have to come up with new plans because, as per the new rules, you can have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. It will take time and we will have to see how it goes as far as the new rules are concerned.”

He urged the young players in his side to make most of opportunity on the series.

"It is a good opportunity for all the youngsters to express themselves at the international level. All the players who have been selected for this tour did pretty well in the IPL as well as in domestic cricket. I am pretty confident about this bunch of guys that whoever gets the opportunity will do well.

"As a team our only motto will be to do well in Zimbabwe and get back our winning habit."

The 27-year-old also called upon his teammates to perform selflessly, in the interest of the team.

"It is important to play as a team in cricket because a player can win you a game or two but if you play as a team you can win nine out of 10 games. We will try to play as team in Zimbabwe and I am confident of doing well,” he said.

The Mumbai batsman said he learnt quite a few things from the captains he played under.

"I have learnt from all the captains I have played under. From Dhonibhai I have learnt from his calmness on the field, and simplicity from Rahulbhai (Dravid).

"Steven Smith (Australia and Rajasthan Royals) is an instinctive captain and he reacts according to the situation."

Interestingly, Rahane also said he was not consulted when the selectors decided not to name a replacement for injured leg spinner Karn Sharma.

“It is unfortunate for Karn that he had to miss out because of injury; he was a crucial part of our team. It is up to the selectors to decide if they want to send any replacement players or not,” he added.