Ranji hundred crucial ahead of South Africa tour, says Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, who has been included in the ODI as well as Test team to South Africa, considered his 133 against Vidarbha as a confidence booster ahead of the tough tour.
South Africa-bound Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a century in Mumbai's second innings, dismissed suggestions that the Vidarbha attack was not strong enough to test the hosts' batting mettle in their ongoing Group A Ranji Trophy match in Mumbai.
"I won't say that their attack was not good. Umesh (Yadav) is an experienced bowler. They had Shrikant (Wagh) and other bowlers. A bowler needs just one ball to get the wicket, so batsmen have to concentrate on every delivery," said Rahane, who hit 133 in Mumbai's second innings tally of 381 for four declared and also added 260 with opener Aditya Tare (172).
"I was looking to get set and spend a lot of time at the wicket, which will also be a good batting practice for me. When they spread the field, then it was a bit difficult and I was constantly telling myself that this is the time to show focus, to show some hunger, and that is what I was thinking," he added.
Rahane, who has been included in the ODI as well as Test team to South Africa, considered his innings as a confidence booster ahead of the tough tour.
"It was a very crucial knock. When you score a hundred, every hundred is special and this hundred is also as special as the others. It was also important from the team's point of view as we wanted to win the match outright. I will take a lot of confidence from this innings," he said.
"Before going to South Africa, this game was crucial for me in terms of match practice. So I was just focussing on getting my rhythm back and give my 100 per cent for the team. In the first innings too, I was looking to spend time at the crease, but getting out is not in your hands. You should have the right attitude and right intention and that is what matters. Scoring a hundred in the second innings is as special as scoring a hundred in the first innings. I am happy the way I am batting and the way our team is playing," Rahane added.
At the end of day 3, Mumbai were poised to record a huge victory after setting Vidarbha an imposing target of 530 and then reducing the visitors to 177 for 8 in the second innings.