Antigua: Stylish Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who has been in sublime form in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, has insisted it is his hunger for runs which has kept him motivated to perform well for himself as well as the team.
Rahane, who has always been known for his delicate touch and perfect timing, has scored in all the three games of the series so far.
In the first ODI which was washed out at the Queens Park Oval, he scored 62 and followed it up with a brilliant 103 at the same venue to help the Men in Blue register an emphatic 105-run win over the hosts.
The 29-year-old did not stop there and made played an important 72-run knock on a difficult wicket at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday in the third game which India won by 93 runs and took a 2-0 lead in the series.
"When I was not playing in Champions Trophy, I was focusing on my fitness as well as my batting. When we came here, I was hungry, I wanted to do well," said Rahane.
"I was batting well in the nets, here as well as in England. So, I wanted to make it count and I am really hungry at the moment and looking forward to do well," he added.
Rahane, who was sitting on the bench for whole of the Champions Trophy, said he utilised the time focusing on his fitness and batting.
"I would like to thank Virat and team management that they gave me this opportunity to bat at the top of the order. When I was in England, I really worked hard on my fitness and I am happy all that hard work is paying off here," he added.
When asked about his Trinidad century, he said, "It was a perfect knock. Even before that game, I got 62 runs and I was batting really well. So, in the second game I really wanted to make it count."
Stressing on the importance of fitness, the Mumbaikar said, "Fitness is very important. Right after Australia series, we played IPL and then came back to UK and then here. So, we have to take care of our fitness as professional athletes."
"This team is really focused and disciplined. We all think about our sleeping times and eating habits as well, " he concluded.
The two teams will now lock horns in the fourth ODI at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.
