Ajinkya Rahane Credits 'Role Model' Rahul Dravid for Success

Ajinkya Rahane says his dream is to win man-of-the-series award in Test cricket. In a freewheeling interview to Rica Roy, the Rajasthan Royals opener talks about the role he plays as a batsman in the Indian Premier League. (Fixtures | Standings | Stats)

Rica Roy: You have been one of India's best Test batsman in 13 away Tests in the last one and a half years. How was it making a transition to the super-short version from Test cricket?

Ajinkya Rahane: The difference you see in me in the last thirteen months is because of the confidence I have gained. Shifting from Tests to T20s is all about mental adjustment. I think adjusting to different conditions, in different situations is something I learnt by speaking to Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. I have constantly been talking to them about how to make the best of opportunities. Their suggestions have helped me to shift gears. (Kulkarni Thanks Watson, Pollock for Bowling Tips)

RR: How different is it opening with Watson from opening with Sanju Samson?

AR: When opening with Watson, I take a backseat as he plays the role of an aggressor. He likes to go after the bowlers. My role in such situations becomes easier. I take singles when he is attacking and try to give him as much strike as possible. In essence, I am also an attacking batsman. I like to take my time but also play some attacking strokes. If I survive beyond 7/8 overs, my aim remains to play till the end. Sanju and I are in similar mould. He likes to take his time to settle in and then attack. That is the difference between batting with Sanju and Watson. (Rohit Sharma Gets Engaged to Best Friend Ritika Sajdeh)

RR: Having an Orange Cap or a Man of the Series from a Test series, What would be more dear to you?

AR: It would definitely be the Man of Series from a Test series.

RR: In the Rajasthan Royals dressing room how are roles defined for individuals? What kind of a role do you have?

AR: Rahul Bhai, Paddy and captain brief individuals about their roles. Rahul Bhai told me to bat the way I normally bat, keep it simple and stick to a game plan. He says, if I am batting beyond 9th over, I should try to bat as deep as possible. It always helps a team when the opener is able to bat till the 20th over. I am learning to do so.

RR: You were playing World Cup till March, which is a 50-over tournament and then in April you switched to T20. How taxing was that?

AR: As professional cricketers we learn to make these adjustments. Not just adjusting to different formats but travel, time zones, everything that come with playing cricket for living. More than the technique, what matters how mentally strong a person is. How quickly one is able to adjust to different places, conditions. It is important to me. Talking to seniors really help.

RR: How has Rahul Dravid helped you to become the Ajinkya Rahane of today?

AR: Rahul Dravid is my role model. I always used to watch him on the television. Now I get to interact with him up-close. And that is huge for me. When he was our (Rajasthan Royals) captain, I opened with him. Now he is our mentor. Whenever I get a chance, I speak to him.

RR: Do you think that you need to develop one x-factor to be a good limited-overs batsman?

AR: Consistency is the key to becoming a good cricketer. I have improved my game over the last two-three years. I am batting well in the ODIs also. But I should look to be more consistent.

RR: You have a certain weakness against off spinners. You have got out to Moeen Ali, JP Duminy and even Graeme Swann. Are you working on that aspect of your game?

AR: Look, I work on every aspect of my game. I lay stress on each and every detail when it comes to my batting, not just playing the off spinners. Even against the left arm spinners and the fast bowlers I would like to improve my game.

RR: You have been on the road since your marriage. Have you managed to spend any time with your wife? Is she following you during the IPL?

AR: Yes, she is travelling with me during the IPL. She had also travelled Down Under to watch the Test matches. It is great to have her by my side while I play my cricket.