After leading the Indian test team to victory in the final Test against Australia, Ajinkya Rahane is now firmly focusing his attention on the IPl.
Speaking at the press conference, Rahane said he was "confident and excited about the upcoming edition of IPl."
In spite of receiving praise from various ex-cricketers for his leadership style, Rahane is keeping his feet firmly grounded. "I am proud to have led the Indian team but Virat is a great leader," he said.
He also emphasized the differences between him and Virat. "I am a cool and calm person whereas Virat is very aggressive. We have different approaches and it brings the best out of us," he explained.
On MS Dhoni, Rahane was effusive in his praise. "He is no longer the captain but we will still learn a lot from him. How he reads the game and his mindset could help the team," he added.
When asked about the relations between him and Australian players in the wake of all the recent controversies, Rahane echoed the sentiments of his IPl captain. "Whatever happens on the field remains there and is not carried to outside of it. Credit to Australia for playing hard cricket but it's time to forget the past and focus on the present."