It’s almost routine for Ajinkya Rahane to talk cricket with Praveen Amre, get the doubts on technique cleared and find solutions to problems if any, before a major home or away series.
But Rahane telephoned his long-time coach with the Mumbai team before the India-South Africa World Cup match, he only congratulated Amre on Mumbai’s victory over Delhi in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals.
Without sounding bombastic, Amre said: “Well, there was no need to talk about problems and solutions. I did not want to disturb him at all. From the little conversation we had, he appeared to be in a very good frame of mind and mentally strong and confident. He had played a substantial role in India’s win over South Africa,” said Amre, a couple of hours after the practice session at Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Part of the team Amre also heard Shane Warne make an observation on STAR-Sports after India’s resounding success against South Africa that Rahane was not anymore fighting for a place in the team, but he’s become part and parcel of the team. “Yes, I did hear that, but then it has been a three-year struggle for him (starting with ODI series against England in 2011). We have always worked on the basics and fundamentals of batting. Anyone with a strong footing on basics is more likely to succeed in any format of the game. First he proved he’s worthy in Twenty20. When he made 7 and 1 in his Test debut against Australia, many doubted his ability. He had to sit out for many months, but he showed gradually from the tour to South Africa, New Zealand, England and finally in Australia that he’s equipped. Similarly in one-day cricket also. He’s shaping into a very confident batsman and cricketer.”
The Mumbai coach also pointed out that Rahane’s 79 off 60 balls came against a very good South African bowling and fielding unit. “His strike rate was pretty high (131.67). His partnership with Shikhar (Dhawan) was critical; back-to-back wickets after Virat Kohli’s fall would have probably diminished India’s end total. He handled the pressure situation against South Africa so well, which, in a way, reflects the good frame of mind he is in. Moreover, having scored runs in the Test series, tri-series and the practice matches, he has learned a lot in terms of playing in Australian conditions,” said Amre.
