As long as i am at crease, i am thinking about my team, i am not selfish, says Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane played a brilliant knock of 81 in tough situation, saving the Men in Blue on day one of the opening Test against the Windies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Rahane’s innings was important to India after the Indian team was reduced to 25/3 with Virat Kohli (9) and Cheteshwar Pujara (2) back in the pavilion.

Eventhough, Rahane fell eleven runs short of a well deserved century. Rahane, however, was not dismayed for not reaching the three digit mark, saying that he is not sefish and was tinking about his team. Ajinkya Rahane last scored a hundred in August 2019 against Sri Lanka.

"As long as I am at the crease, I am thinking about my team, I am not a selfish guy. So yes, I am not too concerned about the hundred as I thought 81 on that wicket was really crucial as we are now in a decent position," said Rahane after India finished the day at 203 for six.

"See, as long as I am contributing for my team is what matters. Yes, I was thinking about my hundred but the situation we are in -- 25 for 3 was tricky. As I have said, I just thought if I could contribute for my team. I am not too concerned about my hundred as that will come automatically," the 31-year-old said.

Prior to this series, Rahane spent few months playing for Hampshire in the English county, featuring in seven games in which he smashed a hundred and a half century.

Rahane perceives that it is too early to say if his innings proved to be beneficial or not but it definitely helped him get back his confidence.

"See it (county stint) was important. I took the decision when I got to know that I won't be a part of World Cup squad. I wanted to make use of the two months and I played seven county games, focussing on my batting, working on few areas."

Playing close to the body is one strategic facet that he worked on after earning a chance to bat at number three spot, which exposed him to the new ball in seaming conditions.

"When you play in England with Dukes ball, you have got play close to your body. I was batting at No.3 as well so luckily I got to play the new ball there. Those two months, I really used my time well but it's too early to say that county stint helped me. But it's good that I went there and had some batting practice."

"In England everyone knows that it's all about the conditions. When its cloudy, you got to respect the conditions and when its sunny, you know that its good for batting. I had some good knocks, so yes, it was a pretty good stint for me," he said.