MS Dhoni's inputs made captaincy easier for Virat Kohli: Ajinkya Rahane

Mumbai: Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane is in the spotlight after emerging as India’s highest run-getter in the West Indies ODI tour. Despite not being given much of an opportunity in the ICC Champions Trophy in June in England, the Mumbai batsman proved he can deliver when needed as his batting versatility offers a lot of flexibility in all three formats.

Earlier this year, Rahane was Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s deputy during the Test series against Australia and also took over the captain’s responsibility from Kohli in the fourth Test match after Kohli was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Rahane did not disappoint in his debut match as a Test captain, leading the team to victory in Dharamsala and helped Team India to seal the four-match Test series 2-1.

While Rahane has been one of the key players under Kohli, the Mumbai batsman credited MS Dhoni for helping Kohli, the captain. “It's great to have MS Dhoni around. We are all lucky to have him. It becomes easier for Virat with him around. Many times Virat went and asked him opinions and he comes up with great ideas. It's good to see both of them working together,” said Rahane in an interview to India Today.

The 29-year-old also thanked Kohli for backing him that helped in flourish in the recent West Indies tour.

“Virat told me in West Indies to back myself and not to take the pressure. He told me you are the best and know how to handle the situation. When the captain asks you to bat with freedom and says I am backing you and the team is with you, what more do you want,” the batsman added.

The Indian Test vice-captain will look forward to carrying his form in India’s full-fledged tour of Sri Lanka that will begin from 26th July.