Quotes from Ajinkya Rahane

Sometimes the shots you play in T20s don't look good and you feel that you got out on a bad looking shot.

I think if you are sure of your shots, you should back them.

When I am batting on the crease, I am the boss.

You have to think for your team-mates and give them positive response. Whatever happens as a captain you have to take the responsibility. Backing my team-mates and supporting them was the biggest learning.

Rahul Dravid is my role model. I always used to watch him on the television. Now I get to interact with him up-close.

County cricket has helped every player who has been part of it.

Outside cricket, I idolise Roger Federer and in the gentleman's game, I look up to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Not only were they great players, but the way they conducted themselves off the field evoked respect.

For a batsman, the bat is your main weapon and you need to respect it. The more you respect it, the better it helps with your cricket.

I have been a fan of True Religion since I saw Sachin Tendulkar wearing them.

I am really excited to play for Delhi Capitals. I got an opportunity.

I was practising with wet rubber balls just to get my reaction right, my hand-eye co-ordination right. Because sometimes wickets are softer, two-paced wickets, it helps to practise with a tennis ball.

I always look to giving my best whenever I get my opportunity, whether it's in the opening position or in the middle order.

You want to give your best and be the best batsman for the team. So, whenever I go in to bat, I always believe in giving the best. I take it as a challenge every time.

I don't know what decisions they are going to take but if you take this Covid-19 situation aside, you want your family to be there with you to support you whenever you are on the tour.

I think it is more important to adjust mentally than technically. What happens at No 3 is that you have to be very careful with your shot selection than at No 5.

As a professional cricketer we are used to prepare for any format. For me switching between formats is a mental thing. I always think technique is only that important and mental preparations are more important.

I was the ball boy during the Mumbai Test of the home series against South Africa in 2000. I was playing Under-14 cricket.

Shifting from Tests to T20s is all about mental adjustment. I think adjusting to different conditions, in different situations is something I learnt by speaking to Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.

As a child you dream of playing for your country, but when it really happens you do not know how to react.

If the team management asks me to bat at a certain position, I am always ready for that.

We invest in real estate, equity shares, etc. My father takes care of it and my wife helps too.

Whenever an opportunity comes to play ODI and T20I cricket, I will work hard and make it count.

Personally, everyone dreams to be part of World Cup squad. Mine was also the same.

It always helps a team when the opener is able to bat till the 20th over. I am learning to do so.