India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to win in two of the last three Tests against Australia in India’s landmark series win Down Under, says he is happy to take a backseat and contribute as vice-captain by offering suggestions when asked by skipper Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who missed the last three Tests in Australia for the birth of his child, will lead India in the first Test against England that begins on February 5.
“My job is to take a backseat and try and help Virat as captain. There are too many things on the captain’s mind so as a vice-captain, you have to visualize situations, think about what can happen in the game and if the captain asks you for suggestions then you should be ready. My job is really easy. I take a backseat. Whenever he asks me about certain things, I go and tell him. For me, I generally take a backseat whenever he is the captain,” said Rahane while speaking to the media on Wednesday.
“Virat is the captain. He left from Australia for family reasons that is why I became the captain. Originally Virat is the captain and I am the vice-captain. So I am really happy that he is back with us. Which is really positive. As a team, we are trying to play as a unit and together as well as to our strengths.”
The 32-year-old Rahane, who scored an impressive century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to help India win the second and roar back in the series following the capitulation in the first Test, will have to move back to No. 5 from the No. 4 slots where he batted in place of Kohli in Australia.
He admitted that a bit of adjustment is needed to move back to No. 5.
“Little bit of adjustment is needed. But I have been batting well,” he said.
“It is all about what the team requires in that particular situation and bat accordingly. For me, it is all about the contribution to the team other than thinking about my own performances or own outcome. I will give my 100 percent in whatever the team requires in that situation.”
Rahane said he feels good despite being pushed down to No. 5 but added that Kohli’s return is a positive sign for India.
“Virat is back which is a really positive sign for us. He has been batting really well. His record has been great.”
