Ajinkya Rahane’s ‘balanced’ India work on new plans in Zimbabwe after ICC’s rule changes

We will get an idea about the new guidelines after the first ODI once we play against Zimbabwe, says India's new captain, with the seniors rested for the tour.

Ajinkya Rahane will captain India on their tour of Zimbabwe. Adnan Abidi / Reuters

Captain Ajinkya Rahane is confident about his young, balanced India side who will emerge victorious in the tour of Zimbabwe.

Rahane was asked to lead the 15-member team as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, among other seniors, were rested.

India leave for Zimbabwe this morning to play three ODIs, starting on Friday, and two Twenty20 internationals.

“We have a very good team, a balanced team. I am sure that as a team we will do well in Zimbabwe. We are confident that we will do well and win in Zimbabwe,” Rahane said yesterday.

Speaking about the new ODI rules brought in by International Cricket Council, the captain said: “The new rules will be very exciting and challenging for us, but we will have to wait and see what will happen.

“We will get an idea after the first ODI once we play against Zimbabwe. It will be really exciting and challenging for all the players, batsmen and bowlers as well. We will have to come up with new plans because, as per the new rules, you can have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. It will take time and we will have to see how it goes as far as the new rules are concerned.”

Rahane, 27, backed veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to perform well in the tour after making a comeback to the team against Bangladesh in the one-off Test last month.

“Harbhajan has been a star performer for our country. He has been doing really well and I am happy for him because he came back so strongly,” he said.

“He bowled well all season and in the Test match against Bangladesh. Whenever needed I will go to him and ask about his experience and strategies.”

Speaking about the young team, he said: “It is a good opportunity for all the youngsters to express themselves at the international level. All the players who have been selected for this tour did pretty well in the Indian Premier League as well as in domestic cricket.”

“I am confident about this bunch of guys that whoever gets the opportunity will do well. As a team, our only motto will be to do well in Zimbabwe and get back to our winning habit.”

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