IPL 2018 | My leadership style is difficult to explain, says Ajinkya Rahane

The saga that resulted in the ban of Australian skipper Steve Smith and David Warner for a period of 12 months from domestic and international cricket also meant that the duo would be unavailable for the IPL as per the BCCI’s decision. Rajasthan Royals appointed Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane as their captain in the absence of Smith this year. But the Mumbai-born batsman admitted that his brand of leadership is hard to put into words as compared to that of high-flying Aussie. Rahane said that he will look to the senior members of the team for advice on and off the pitch.

“My leadership style? It’s difficult to describe.You’ll have to wait and see all the game. My style, I’m pretty much calm and composed. I like to go in that fashion. Everyone has a different style of leading the team.

“But I’m very lucky to have in the team guys like Jos with me, Stokesy. Guys who are really experienced in this format. But you’ll have to wait and see about my captaincy. Everyone has a different style of leading the team or playing the game but we respect each other and it’s important to back your strength rather than anyone else as a captain and a player. So I’ll back my style, my strengths and I’ll take opinions from my senior guys,” Rahane said at the press conference in Hyderabad.

Rajasthan are returning to the IPL after serving out a two-year ban. However, Rahane will be surrounded by familiar faces in the RR dugout that were with him in the Rising Pune Supergiant outfit especially English all-rounder Ben Stokes.

“As a captain, definitely it helps if you know the players that have played with you (in the past). Most of the guys who played for Rajasthan Royals previously – they are with us. It really helped us. Having said that, we’ve got some other players who are pretty experienced, quality players. 

“It’s pretty much about giving your best on that particular day. For me, I’m really looking forward to playing alongside these guys and learn from them and just take the thing forward. We want to start well, get the momentum to start the tournament and play the brand of cricket Rajasthan Royals is known for,” Rahane added.

SRH will also be playing under the leadership of Kane Williamson and Rahane admitted that the Hyderabad-based franchise would be a tough nut to crack.

“They are definitely a good side, a balanced side. And playing in Hyderabad against Sunrisers is always a challenge.But we’re not going to take them lightly, we respect them and that’s what cricket is all about, respecting your opponents and playing to your strengths rather than the opponents’,” Rahane said.