The first West Indies versus India Test match begins on July 12 and ahead of the big game, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane seemed to be disgruntled when asked about his comeback at the age of 35. (More Cricket News)
"What do you mean by at this age? I am still young yaar (friend). There's still a lot of cricket in me," he said. "I had a good IPL and domestic season. I have grown in confidence as a batter but in the past one and half year I have also worked a lot on my fitness.
"I have worked on few aspects of my batting. At the moment I am enjoying my cricket. I am not thinking too much about the future. For now every match is important for me."
Ajinkya Rahane made his comeback to the Test team on the back of a good Ranji season and his impressive run for Chennai Super Kings during the 2023 IPL. He was amongst the highest scorers in the recently concluded WTC Final 2023 against Australia as well.
"In the IPL, CSK has given me freedom. As a player when you have been given a role, you try to fulfil it. Before this in the IPL my role was to be an anchor but CSK team management gave me the freedom and they wanted me to play my natural game," said Rahane, who smashed 326 runs at a strike rate of 172.49.
"I am a natural stroke player. So just my role has changed. I always look to fullfill the role assigned to me and here also I will look to fullfill the role that Rohit gives me."
India have left out Cheteshwar Pujara while senior pacer Mohammed Shami is being rested for the West Indies series and Rahane said it will be a great opportunity for the others to raise their hands.
"It would be great opportunity for that individual who will be playing in place of Pujara. I am not sure who is going to play at No 3 but I am sure whoever will get the chance will do well," he said.
"For the fast bowlers, who are going to play in place of Shami, too will have a great chance. Siraj is there, Jaydev is also experienced. It's an opportunity for everyone to do well.
"Mohammed Shami obviously is a senior bowler, he has done well for us but you need to give rest to him because there is a long season ahead."
Rahane went onto praise his Mumbai teammate and IPL traiblazer Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling him a 'really exciting talent'. Rahane was effusive in his praise for young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is likely to make his debut at No. 3 for India.
"Firstly, I am really happy for him (Jaiswal). He is a really exciting talent. He has done exceptionally well in the domestic cricket for Mumbai and then in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals.
"Most importantly the way he is batting in the red ball. He did well in the Duleep Trophy last year. His numbers are really good.
"My message to him will be just express your batting, don’t think too much about the International cricket. It’s all about going out in the middle and playing your game."
India are facing the West Indies at a time when their opponents are at an all-time low, having failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup, but Rahane said they are just focusing on their game plan.
"We have played two-day practice game. Preparation wise, we have covered all the areas. It’s all about starting well in Test cricket. We respect West Indies. Focus is on our game plan, strength and keep backing our team plan," he said.
