Ajinkya Rahane “enjoys opening” in the shortest format but a packed Delhi Capitals top-order could mean a potential “finisher’s role” for India’s Test vice-captain which he is not averse to exploring during the upcoming Indian Premier League season in UAE.
Rahane, who joined Delhi Capitals this year, may find it difficult to find a slot in the top order as Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw are set to open the batting with Shreyas Iyer, Shimron Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant being next in line.
Asked about his role in the team, Rahane said: “I don’t know. We have to wait and watch as we start our practice sessions, then only we will have that communication.
“I have opened throughout my career and I have enjoyed that. But (it is) completely up to the team management as to what role they want to give me in the team. I will 100 per cent do that,” the 32-year-old told mediapersons on Thursday.
So, does he think that a finisher’s role in T20 can work for him? The senior batsman said he is open to the idea.
“If I am told to bat at No 5 or 6 , I will definitely take it as it will be a new role for me and help me explore my game. So if you ask me, my answer is yes, I am ready,” said Rahane, who is only 12 runs short of career 5000 runs in T20 cricket (4988 from 196 games).
But will two to three weeks of net sessions be enough to help him acquire the mindset of a finisher?
Rahane said five to six sessions along with proper communication from the team management about the assigned role should be enough.
However, he agreed that field restrictions work to the advantage of top-three in white ball cricket.
“Frankly speaking, when you have two fielders outside the circle, you have the freedom to express yourself. Also the field is completely spread in T20 cricket (after first six overs). Till No 3, you can play with freedom...You get 15 to 20 runs and you are on,” he said.