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Indian star Ajinkya Rahane believes playing in English conditions is the ultimate challenge for any cricketer ahead of his County stint for Leicestershire. The 36-year-old will play their final five County Championship Division Two games and the entire One Day Cup. The One Day Cup, where Leicestershire are defending champions, will start tomorrow and conclude with the final on September 22.
Rahane was due to play for Leicestershire last season before a final-minute call-up to the national squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia made him unavailable.
He spoke to the Foxes TV YouTube channel on his joining the squad this season about playing in England and stated:
"I really enjoy playing in England. Have always thought it is the best conditions for any cricketer as it keeps you humble, keeps you grounded as conditions change very qucikly so you've to adapt and to the different sitiuations and be flexible in your mindset. As a cricketer I have always felt whenever you leave England, you learn something or the other and go as an improved cricketer."
He added:
"The conditions at this time are challenging in England and the overhead conditions make it challenging for a batsman. We are defending champions in the 50-over tournament so the expectations will be high. Hopefully, I can do my best for the team and learn from my teammates as well."
Leicestershire are currently fourth on the County Championship Division Two points table with 115 points in nine games.
They will take on Nottinghamshire in the One Day Cup opener at home on July 24.
"Contribution for the team matters a lot rather than individual success or milestone" - Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has stated that he has no specific individual goals during his stint with Leicestershire and only wants to help the team achieve ultimate success.
The veteran batter boasts immense experience at all levels with 632 domestic and 195 international games across formats.
When asked about his individual goals for the season, Rahane said:
"Just one game at a time. I like to be in the present and if I can contribute for the team's success in any way, I'll be happy to do that. It's a team sport so for me contribution for the team matters a lot rather than individual success or milestone."
Rahane also praised the team atmosphere and looked forward to playing in front of the passionate Leicester fans.
"First impression is wow. The team atmosphere what I heard about has been amazing. All the lads are really good and welcoming. Excited to play in front of all the fans. A big Indian community in Leicester so looking forward to doing well for them this season," stated Rahane.
Rahane has scored over 8,000 runs with 15 centuries for Team India and over 20,000 runs across formats in domestic cricket during his illustrious career.
