Mumbai: Indian star batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who made his debut across all formats under Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he's hoping to see the ‘batsman Dhoni’ of old times.
“We will miss Dhoni bhai as a captain as he is so experienced,” said Rahane to BCCI.TV. “Dhoni bhai will have less responsibility and we all want to see him bat as he uses to bat in his earlier days.”
Rahane, who had shouldered deputy captain’s role under Kohli in Tests, was confident that Team India will do very good under the leadership of the Delhi cricketer.
“I am sure the team will do very good under Virat Kohli, we want to continue playing our own brand of cricket.”
The Mumbai cricketer lead India A to a six-wicket victory over England XI on Thursday in the second warm-up match. The batsman, who is making a return after an injury break smashed 91 against the visiting team.
“I was very excited at the same time I was nervous as I was playing after a one month break. I was looking forward to the game and I had a good net session before the game.”
The middle-order batsman was happy with his effort and pointed out that he got to spend some invaluable time in the middle.
“I am very happy with the way I batted, initially I took my time and later on I just wanted to play and regain my confidence. In the end I also got to spend time in the middle.”
Newcomer Rishabh Pant, who has been picked for the first time for India for T20Is against England, also impressed Rahane. The southpaw made a 36-ball 59 in the practice match.
“He’s (Pant) a very exciting young prospect, he did very well in the domestic season as well, so, it’s very good for him that he’s got selected for India. He will get to learn a lot by playing with the senior cricketers.”
