Rahane more chilled out than Kohli; will do a good job as a captain, says Steve Smith

AUSTRALIA SKIPPER Steve Smith feels that India is in safe hands if Ajinkya Rahane has to take up captaincy for the fourth and the final Test in Dharamsala, starting March 25.

Recalling the Ranchi Test, where Rahane stepped up to captain the hosts in absence of injured Kohli, Smith showered praise on the Mumbai lad and said that he did a fine job. As reported by PTI, the Aussie batman said,

"No, I think they'll be fine. I think Ajinkya Rahane will probably step up to captain their side. I thought he did a pretty good job last week (in Ranchi) when he was out on the field in Virat's absence. So, I'm confident, he'll be able to do a good job for them."

Smith also termed Rahane as a captain who is a bit more chilled out than Kohli and said that the former understand and read the game really well. 

"He (Rahane) is probably a bit more chilled out, out on the field. Probably, not quite as emotional. But, no, look, I think he understands the game really well. I've been fortunate enough to play a fair bit of cricket with Ajinkya, and I think he reads the game and understands the game really well. So if Virat was to miss this Test match, then I'm sure the Indian side will still be in very good hands."

When asked if he is bothered by the favourites tag ahead of the final Test, the 27-year-old replied, 

"I am not really bothered if we are the favourites or underdogs to be honest with you. It is a game of cricket, 1-1 in the series and everything to play for in this game. As I said earlier, I am not worried about the end result or the match. I am just focussed on controlling what we can and take it one ball at a time and the process. We have to concentrate a much more than what we have been doing and it is a beautiful place in Dharamsala and it is just exciting for us as a team."

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