India’s stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane said he is not concerned about his form with the bat and that he is focussed on leading the team in the first of a 2-Test series against tNew Zealand in Kanpur from November 25. Rahane played down concerns even as his place in the side is being questioned ahead of an important season of Test cricket.

Ajinkya Rahane, speaking to the press on the eve of the 1st Test, said he is keen on contributing to the team’s cause with the bat and it’s not always about scoring big hundreds. Rahane is expected to bat at No. 4 in the Kanpur Test in the absence of Virat Kohli who has been rested for the series opener.

Rahane’s form in the middle-order has been a concern for India in the recent past. The vice-captain has managed just 372 runs in 11 matches in 2021 at an average of less than 20. Rahane managed just only one fifty-plus score during India’s tour of England across 5 Tests, which included the World Test Championship final.

“I am not concerned about my form, I just think about contributing for the team, it is not always scoring a hundred. I always put the team first. I am very fortunate to lead the country, I am not bothered about what is going to happen. I am just focused on giving my best,” he added.

“When I am batting, I am there as a batter. The captaincy hat comes on when I am there in the field. It is all about what sort of game plan we have, what sort of strategy we have. I just like to keep it simple.”

Rahane’s form at home has been paltry as well. Since 2017, Rahane has averaged just 34.11, hitting 921 runs over 20 Tests. However, the senior batter has managed to step up at crucial junctures. In the absence of Kohli, Rahane led from the front against Australia, hitting a match-winning hundred against in Melbourne after India were bundled out for 42 in the previous Test in Adelaide.

RAHUL BHAI TOLD US TO BACK OURSELVES: RAHANE

Rahane will work with head coach Rahul Dravid in what is being portrayed as a make-or-break series for the senior batter. Stressing that Dravid has urged them to keep it simple, Rahane said the focus will be on converting starts into big scores in the Test series against New Zealand.

“Rahul bhai just told us to back ourselves and not think too much about it. Pujara and I know our game plan, it is about keeping it simple and backing our plans. If we get in, try to convert it into a big one,” Rahane added.

Meanwhile, Rahane confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will make his Test debut in Kanpur as India are set to open with Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal in the absence of injured KL Rahul. Rohit Sharma has been tested along with Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami for the Test series.