Ajinkya Rahane was criticised by India skipper MS Dhoni during the ODI series against Bangladesh. Rahane was dropped from the playing XI in the second ODI for his poor show in the first ODI.
Dhoni had stated that Rahane faces "problems in rotating the strike in slow sub-continental conditions." This comment had raised a lot of eyebrows ahead of the Zimbabwe tour. Rahane was also left out of the playing XI in the final ODI against Bangladesh.
Now Rahane has been appointed as the skipper of the India ODI squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Rahane has also stated before leaving for the tour that he has taken Dhoni's criticism in a positive way and has moved on.
"Dhoni bhai gave me a feedback and I took it in a positive manner and I have moved on. Bangladesh tour is past for me. My aim is to be more consistent in ODIs as it's all in the mind.
"There is nothing called senior or junior in a team. All the 15 players are equally important and they should all believe in their abilities. I have the backing of all the players. As a captain, I have my own set of ideas and will like to back my instincts," Rahane told the reporters at a press conference before leaving for the Zimbabwe tour.
Rahane also heaped praise on Harbhajan Singh who made his comeback in the ODI format after quite some time. The new Indian skipper is also optimistic about emerging victorious in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and is hopeful that his side is going to put up a good show.
"Bhajjupa (Harbhajan's nickname) has been a star performer for India. I am very happy for him and obviously I will seek his advice whenever I need it as he has so much of experience.
"We always have 100 percent preparation for any tour. We will not like to think about past (Bangladesh) and stick to present moment. We have a very good team. We will do well in Zimbabwe and win the series," Rahane added.
The opening pair have not been decided yet for this tour of Zimbabwe. Robin Uthappa is one option that the skipper would have in his mind. When asked whether he would like to open the batting for India, he said that it was not decided yet.
"I have opened for Mumbai in ODIs and in T20 cricket for Rajasthan Royals. But this I will decide speaking to the coaches Sanjay Bangar, Bharath Arun and R Sridhar after landing in Zimbabwe," Rahane said.
