Speaking ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) against New Zealand, starting Friday in Southampton, Rahane stated that he is happy to contribute for the team even if he is not scoring hundreds. At a pre-match conference ahead of the summit clash Rahane said, "I'm happy to take criticism. I feel it's because of the criticism I'm here. I always want to give my best whether people criticise me or not. For me, it's important to give my best for my country and contribute each and every time be it as a batsman or a fielder."
He added that he cannot control what others think about him, so it is better for him to focus on his job and do what he is good at. Said Rahane, "I don't really think about criticism. If people criticise me, that's their thing, and that's their job. I cannot control all these things. For me, I always focus on controllables, putting my best foot forward, working hard and following my process and the result follows," Rahane said.
"I will be playing my natural game. Winning is really important whether I score hundred or not. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself and even if my 30 or 40 is valuable for the team, I am happy," he added.
While the WTC final is a huge occasion for the players from both teams, according to Rahane it will be all about adjusting to the conditions. India’s highest run-getter in the WTC final asserted, "I like to be in the present. I know the conditions. It's about being in the moment, adjusting to the conditions. Also, me being the highest scorer doesn't matter now. It's past. I just don't want to put extra pressure and would want to play freely."
"It's just a mental thing. If we can switch mentally and adapt, it's important. Yes, one off, we have to take it as another game not as a final or anything. We just want to give our best, play good cricket, be consistent in the five days," he added.
Rahane has scored 1095 runs in the WTC with three hundreds and six fifties
--By A Cricket Correspondent