Updated: Dec 27, 2019 1:46 pm
The Test vice-captain of the Indian National Cricket Team who had been traded to Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals last month in the IPL 2020 window trading in exchange for spinners Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia has revealed that it was Delhi Capitals advisor Sourav Ganguly who asked me to play for the DC in Indian Premier League.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, the then former Rajasthan Royals captain says that “At that point, I didn’t have anything like that in mind. Delhi Capitals wanted me to play for them and I felt there was an opportunity to learn and grow as a player. I am thankful to Royals that they gave me an opportunity to play for them for so many years. Whatever happened midseason last year, yes it was disappointing,”
“I have always believed that cricket is a team sport and you don’t lose because of one player’s mistake or win because of one player’s brilliant performance. If you want me to take the blame, okay fine. After that (captaincy) decision happened, I was sitting with a couple of close friends but didn’t discuss captaincy at all. I decided I know how I should bat and will bat like that. I think aggression, the positive intent which is there in me, it all came out in the right manner that day (vs Capitals),” he added.
When Dada approached him
“It was on the sidelines of India’s World Cup match at Southampton (Rahane played for local county Hampshire) that he asked if I would like to play for DC. I felt it could be an opportunity for me to learn something new as a player under a new coach, grow as a cricketer as we will play on a different wicket. I took some time to decide and said yes,” he said.
Dada helped me to boost my confidence
“It was very important when a person like Dada approaches you. It boosts your confidence and motivates you, you are aware that despite what had happened at Rajasthan Royals last year, he has approached you.”
“When a cricketer like him gives you the importance and backs you, it gives you motivation. We have seen how as a captain he has backed and developed players. Emotionally, I felt good that a person like him has asked me to play for his team.”
The 31 years-old will now play for the Delhi Capitals in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League alongside his Test teammate Ravichandran Ashwin who has been traded from Kings XI Punjab at the IPL trade window.
Ajinkya Rahane hoping to make his ODI comeback
Rahane who last featured for India in white-ball cricket in February 2018, on India’s tour to South Africa is hoping to make his ODI comeback soon. Recently he also revealed how his conversations with former Indian batsman and present NCA head Rahul Dravid helped him to keep a positive mindset.
“Conversations with Rahul Bhai also helped me get those answers that I should keep my batting really simple. Take one game at a time. Be in a positive mindset. So now, I am in very good mind space. Whatever happened earlier is gone. Now I have to focus on upcoming things.”
