Indore: Sachin Tendulkar had a talk with Indian batsman Anjinkya Rahane, boosting his confidence ahead of the third One-day international. The cricket legend had a small conversation with the Indian opener during the Indian net session at the Bandra Kurla Complex indoor nets on Saturday.
Rahane tweeted a photo of the two saying, “Had a great net session. Thank you so much for your time and inspiring words paaji @sachin_rt.”
The Mumbai player has been in fine form of late scoring a well-timed 55 (64) with seven hits to the fence in the second ODI of the five match series against Australia.
But continuously being in and out of the ODI team is bound to lower his confidence and the recent conversation with the batting maestro would help improve his game.
“For four days, I did nets at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC in Mumbai). When I met him (Tendulkar), he said, “back your game. You will get opportunities sometimes and sometimes you won’t. What’s in your hands is your preparation. You should have right mindset. He did not say anything about my technique but spoke only on the mental aspect,” said Rahane.
Tendulkar, who had been highly successful against Australia scoring 20 international centuries against them also spoke about the bowling lengths of their bowlers.
“He has played a lot against Australia and he mentioned what line and length they bowl. How to prepare for that. I have got confidence after talking to him,” Rahane said.
Ajinkya also commented on his batting and said, “I do my best when I get my opportunity. I cant contemplate in the future. My focus is to back my game and give my best. Every time you cannot think of a 100, crucial 45-50 runs is equally important. I am also focusing on not to repeat the mistakes from the 1st ODI and how to counter-attack the Aussies from the first few overs.”
Speaking to the reporters ahead of the third match in Indore, Rahane said that the Men in Blue are confident especially after their win at the Eden Gardens but are not taking the opposition for granted.
He also praised the spin pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal and said, “Both the guys (Chahal and Yadav) are doing well and are quality spinners. What they have done is not only take wickets in middle overs in ODI cricket and also not giving away runs. This is an excellent thing that the duo have managed to do. I am sure they are looking to improve day by day and not taking anything for granted. It is a good sign that they are finding it difficult to pick them up.”