New Delhi: Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is certain of the fact that senior spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja would be able to adjust their bowling styles according to the South African pitches during the three-match Test series against the Proteas beginning on January 5.
“I feel Ashwin and Jadeja, they both have it in them to deliver abroad and not only in India. See when you play in India you have to bowl in a certain way and if you see the likes of Moeen Ali, Nathan Lyon if they are playing in England, Australia they have to bowl in a different style,” said the Mumbai batsman on Thursday.
He further added, “So, Ashwin and Jadeja, they are doing really well at the moment but I am sure they are capable of doing well abroad as well. Yes, they have to change their style a bit, skills a bit, have to bowl at a different pace but I completely believe that and I am confident that whoever plays or even if both of them play, they will do well in abroad.”
Rahane himself has had a tough time of late in international cricket where he hasn’t performed well in Test cricket and was left out from the limited overs’ leg against Sri Lanka at home. But the right-hander who has been a consistent performer for India in overseas conditions has received from former India cricketers.
Rahane also spoke about the role of head coach Ravi Shastri in bringing up the team along with captain Virat Kohli.
He said, “When you have Ravi bhai on the side, you are thinking positively. He always tells us ‘back yourself and just enjoy your game’. The guy who is not doing well, he (Shastri) is there to support him and he always backs him and give him positive vibes….that’s a good thing about him.”
“About Virat, as I already mentioned. Virat is a guy, who backs each and every player, he supports everyone. A word from him is always like, go and play yourself, bat yourself, I am there to support you all, don’t you worry about your performances, results…everything will be take care.”