India skipper Virat Kohli recently told the media that he admires Ajinkya Rahane a lot and asks for his opinions many times. He admits that his relation with vice-captain Rahane is very good and he enjoys his presence in the team. He added that Rahane is someone he requires when he needs to make crucial decisions.
Ajinkya Rahane led India in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the absence of Virat Kohli. He also helped the team to create history in Brisbane. Kohli was not part of the team as he was on paternity leave but he is all set to lead the team in the upcoming India vs England series. At the virtual press conference, Kohli talks about his relation with Rahane and the feeling of being back as a captain.
“On the field, he (Ajinkya Rahane) has always been someone who has had the capability, space, and the capacity to come and give his inputs at different stages of the game. We do have discussions on the field as to where the game is heading. I do go and discuss a lot of things with him to get more clarity, a different perspective other than me focusing on the game plans. That’s how we have worked together and that is a massive reason for the Indian team’s success in the Test format.,” Kohli said.
Kohli also added the relation between him and the vice-captain is based on the trust they have in each other and also hope to carry on as it is.
“That partnership and camaraderie will continue to remain the same as it has been. The mindset for me, for him, for the whole team remains to take Indian cricket forward and lead the team towards victories.” Kohli added.
The historical win in Australia under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane was also part of the conversation. Kohli applauded the way he performed under pressure and also praised him by saying that he fulfilled his duty.
“He (Rahane) fulfilled his responsibility in Australia with flying colors. It was amazing to see how he led the team towards victory, which has always been our goal. Between, me and Jinks, we have enjoyed backing each other. It is quite evident on the field. It is just mutual respect, bonding, which is more than on the cricket field. We do chat off it as well. We stay in touch. It’s all based on trust.” he said.
Virat Kohli’s India is all set to face Joe Root’s England on Thursday, 5 Feb in Chennai. The 4-match series will also have a great impact on the decision of the ICC World Test Championship Finals. The first two Test are scheduled to play in Chennai while the other two are scheduled in Ahmedabad
