Ajinkya Rahane 'Sincere, Hard-Working', Happy He's Captain for Zimbabwe Tour: Sachin Tendulkar
Ajinkya Rahane, 27, is the first cricketer from Mumbai in 15 years to captain India since Sachin Tendulkar led the national team in 2000. Rahane was named skipper after Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli and four other senior players were rested for the tour of Zimbabwe in July.
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday extended his greetings to new captain Ajinkya Rahane, hoping the youngster will do a good job during the upcoming Zimbabwe tour. (Dhoni, Kohli Rested; Rahane to Lead in Zimbabwe)
Rahane, 27, is the first cricketer from Mumbai in 15 years to be handed the reins of the team since Tendulkar led India in 2000.
The selectors announced a second-string team for the tour, resting most of the senior players such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli. (Harbhajan Ready for New Challenge)
"I feel very happy for Ajinkya. He is a sincere and hard working cricketer. I have always been impressed with his commitment and dedication. I am sure he will give his best and give us a reason to be proud of him. I wish him all the best," Tendulkar told PTI.
Rahane's elevation has come days after he was dropped from the playing XI for the last two One-dayers in the recent Bangaldesh ODI series. Regular skipper Dhoni had justified Rahane's exclusion, saying he struggles to rotate strike on slow pitches.
India are scheduled to play three ODIs in Harare (July 10, 12 and 14) followed by a couple of Twenty20 Internationals (July 17 and 19).