What advice did Ajinkya Rahane give to the Indian batting unit for the series against Sri Lanka?

Ajinkya Rahane emphasized the importance of being proactive and putting bowlers under pressure, stating that a defensive mindset is not effective in Sri Lankan conditions.

Why is it crucial for India to not take Sri Lanka lightly in the upcoming Tests?

Rahane warned that Sri Lanka's home conditions and their capable spin attack make them a challenging opponent, and emphasized that every batter must have a clear game plan to succeed.

How did Ajinkya Rahane's past performances in Sri Lanka influence his perspective on the upcoming series?

Rahane's positive experiences in Sri Lanka, where he scored over 200 runs in the 2017 series, led him to understand the significance of being aggressive and proactive in challenging conditions.

Ajinkya Rahane shares blueprint for India to succeed in Sri Lanka Tests: ‘You cannot be too defensive’

Rahane stressed the importance of putting bowlers under pressure from the outset, saying a defensive mindset rarely pays off in Sri Lankan conditions.

Updated on: Aug 8, 2026, 07:05:15 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his advice for India's young batting unit ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Having recently retired from international cricket, Rahane signed off as one of India's most dependable Test batters and played a key role in the team's success during a golden era in the longest format. He was instrumental in several memorable overseas triumphs, earning a reputation for delivering under challenging conditions. Rahane also enjoyed an outstanding record in Sri Lanka, starring in India's 3-0 clean sweep during the 2017 tour. He scored more than 200 runs in the series, including a century and a half-century, making him one of India's standout performers on that tour.

Ajinkya Rahane has retired from international cricket. (AFP)

Rahane stressed the importance of putting bowlers under pressure from the outset, saying a defensive mindset rarely pays off in Sri Lankan conditions.

"I think in Sri Lanka, the first day wicket generally is very good. But being top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That's what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive," Rahane told PTI.

The former Mumbai batter also warned India against taking Sri Lanka lightly, pointing out that home conditions and a capable spin attack make them a difficult side to beat. He stressed that every batter must have a clear game plan and play with positive intent, insisting that being proactive, even in Test cricket, would be crucial to succeeding in the series.

"You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side. And again, a home team is always a tough team to beat. Whatever I've learned playing cricket for so many years, you can't take anyone for lightly.

"So it's all about, I think, having your own game plan as an individual and being proactive. Even in Test cricket, it's going to be the key," he added.

Rahane retired from international cricket

Meanwhile, Rahane enjoyed a distinguished Test career, scoring 5,077 runs in 85 matches at an average of 38.46, with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. While his overall numbers were impressive, it was his performances in challenging overseas conditions that truly defined his legacy. Time and again, he rescued India in difficult situations across South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia and the West Indies, earning a reputation as one of the team's most dependable batters away from home. In SENA countries and the West Indies combined, Rahane amassed 2,928 runs in 46 Tests at an average of 38.52, including six centuries and 16 fifties, making him India's sixth-highest run-scorer in those conditions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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