I never think about the 100s; my focus is always on the process: Rahane
AJINKYA RAHANE scored an unbeaten 108 which enabled the visitors to declare the innings at 500/9 and thereby got a hefty lead of 304 runs in the second Test against West Indies at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Rahane slammed his seventh Test ton as rain played spoilsport and washed away the final session of the third day eventually forcing early stumps.
As reported by PTI, the Mumbai-lad stated that he did not think about the milestone, when he came on to bat.
"Frankly speaking, I was not thinking about my hundred. When Mishra and Shami got out, I told Umesh to play normal cricket. Just give your 100% whether defending or playing a shot. When I was 84-85, I wanted to play normal cricket, but the offie brought his long-off in and I wanted to clear the fielder. When I was on 95, [I told Umesh] just play normal cricket, and once I get my hundred, we'll play some shots."
Speaking about his mindset ahead of scoring his first ton in the Caribbean, the vice-captain said that he believes results follow once the processes are executed rightly.
“I was disappointed with the way I got out in the first Test. But, whether we play in India or abroad, what's important for me is my process and preparations. I never think about scoring hundreds. I think the results will follow as long as I prepare well and my processes are right. I think about the small small things that are helpful for me. At the same time scoring a hundred here is special, getting to the three-figure mark is really really special for a batsman.”
When asked about the pitch condition on the fourth day of the Test, the 28-year-old explained that it still has something to offer to the fast bowlers. Rahane further stressed on the need for the bowlers to bowl at a decent line and length.
"There is something for the fast bowlers, but it's important for us to bowl a decent line and length tomorrow. We have to bowl patiently. In the first Test match, we bowled in good areas and we bowled consistently. If we do that, we will be in a good position tomorrow."
