Ajinkya Rahane today credited his mental preparation as the key to his success in Tests, ODIs and the ongoing Indian Premier League, in which he is the leading run-getter till date.
“It’s about mental adjustment as the technique remains the same. I focus on my mental aspect. It’s important how you assess the ground and wicket conditions and adjust quickly,” the 26-year-old Rahane, who is representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL-8, told reporters here.
Rahane has notched up 339 runs at 48 plus per innings in nine IPL matches so far. In fact, his success in the shortest format has come after his resounding show for India in Tests in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia.
The Mumbai-born player, who did not get many chances to play when he was with the Mumbai Indians franchise before switching to Rajasthan Royals, said he tries to keep things simple, besides concentrating on preparing for a match or series.
“I keep my game simple. It’s important for me to practice before every game and series. I just focus on my preparations,” Rahane said while thanking Royals’ team mentor and former India captain Rahul Dravid and his personal coach Pravin Amre.
“I regularly speak to Rahul bhai about my batting, my preparations and the way he used to prepare. He told me to keep my game simple and not to complicate it. ‘The more you keep it simple the more you will be successful’ was his advice and I try to do that. Preparations before every tour is very important and Pravin Sir has told me about this,” said Rahane.
Rahane has been improving in every series since India’s tour of South Africa towards the end of 2013 and said the four months in Australia during the Tests and ODI series, as well as the World Cup, has boosted his confidence level.
