WI vs IND 2023: I still have a lot of cricket left in me – Ajinkya Rahane

Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane feels he still has a lot of fuel left in his tank and wants to keep going. Rahane, who made a return to the Test team recently, has been handed the vice-captaincy role for the upcoming two Test matches against the West Indies.

The right-hander admitted he is used to the leadership role as he played the role of Virat Kohli’s deputy for more than four years. Rahane made a rollicking return to the Test side as he scored 89 and 46 in the World Test Championship final against Australia, which the team lost by 209 runs.

Rahane was able to return on the back of some impressive performances in the domestic circuit. The right-hander scored 326 runs in 11 innings for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023 and played a key role in the success of the MS Dhoni-led team.

“I’m used to this role. I was a vice-captain for almost four or five years. But I’m really happy to be back in the team. I’m really happy to be back as a vice-captain. I’m used to this role,” said Rahane ahead of the first Test match in Dominica.

Rahane added he is feeling confident with the bat after having a consistent run in the domestic circuit as well as the IPL.

“I’m still young. I still have a lot of cricket left in me. The IPL season was good, the domestic season was also good. Batting-wise, I feel a lot more confident. In the last one and a half years, I worked on my fitness and some other key points. I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment. I’m enjoying my batting as well. I don’t want to think ahead a lot. For now, every match is important, personally and from the perspective of the team. So, I’m focusing on that,” said Rahane.

The 35-year-old has scored 5066 runs in 83 Test matches at an average of 38.97 and he will look to carry the good show in the Test series against the West Indies.

The first Test match between India and West Indies begins from Wednesday onwards at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica.