India vice-captain not feeling the pressure over his batting stats in England or India’s Test record in Southampton
“It feels special [to be the leading run-scorer]. I’m happy to take criticism. I feel because of the criticism, I’m here,” Rahane said. “I always want to give my best, whether people criticise me or not. For me what is important is to give my best for my team, my country and contribute, each and every time. Be it as a batter or as a fielder. I don’t really think about criticism. If people criticise me, that’s their thing and that’s their job. I cannot control these things. I always focus on the controllables, putting my best foot forward and following my process. And the result follows.”
“I like to be in the present,” Rahane said. “I’ve been at this venue many times now, played for Hampshire also. Yes I know the conditions but what is important is to be in the moment, be in the present and adjust to the conditions on that particular day. Being the highest run-scorer doesn’t matter now. Whatever happened, that was past.”
“I’ll be playing my natural game. Doesn’t bother me much, what my record is in England as long as I’m contributing to my team. For me, winning is more important – whether I score 100 or score less … Even if I score 30-40 runs, if those 30-40 runs are valuable, I’m happy. It’s all about the team, it’s all about contribution, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.”
“Opposition is different [so] our planning and strategy will be completely different. Playing against England here in Southampton, the plan was different. We just want to take this as just another game, we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure. Especially because we’re playing a Test after a long time now. I think what is important in this Test is playing with freedom, playing as a team and backing each other. That will really help us rather than thinking about the outcome after this Test match.”
Varun Shetty is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo