has urged Indian batters to adopt an aggressive mindset against Sri Lanka’s spin attack in the upcoming two-Test series starting August 15 in Galle.
“I think in Sri Lanka, the first day wicket generally is very good. But being top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That’s what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive,” Rahane told PTI in an interview organised by ETPL.
He added that and capable spin unit demand tactical dominance from the visiting batters.
“You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin-friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side. And again, a home team is always a tough team to beat. Whatever I’ve learned playing cricket for so many years, you can’t take anyone for granted. So it’s all about, I think, having your own game plan as an individual and being proactive. Even in Test cricket, it’s going to be the key,” he added.
Rahane also highlighted how modern Test cricket has transformed with players regularly employing sweeps, ramps, and reverse hits.
“The game has evolved massively. Talking about Test cricket, you see now a lot many T20 players do play in Test cricket as well. The scoop, the laps, switch hit, reverse sweep are being played and that too consistently. I think it is a very good thing,” he said.
Rahane open to IPL mentorship role
Despite stepping away from international duty, the 38-year-old remains keen to continue playing while eyeing future opportunities in team management.
“I still have a few years. I still want to play cricket. I don’t want to put any number, but I can still play cricket for, you know, how much a year I want because I try to keep myself really fit and that’s what I have learned over the years. It helps you a lot,” he said. “And that’s why I’m playing this league, the (ETPL). But again, mentoring any IPL team, I feel I’ll be really good at it because the experience I have, I understand players’ mentality really well.”