Mumbai’s famous cricketing characteristic is well displayed by skipper Ajinkya Rahane and coach Ravi Shastri, and their stubborn attitude will be needed in Brisbane when India take on Australia in series-deciding Test
India captain Ajinkya Rahane (left) with coach Ravi Shastri. Pic/Getty Images
Ravi Shastri and Ajinkya Rahane are both khadoos in their own way. Both have inherited this Mumbai cricket quality in a different manner. For the Team India head coach, the word intimidation has almost never existed while India’s caretaker captain has never allowed himself to be intimidated.
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Despite their contrasting personalities, Shastri and Rahane have struck a perfect chord. The bravado of Sydney and the execution in Melbourne was pleasing to watch, but Brisbane is bound to offer a new challenge.
The strategies employed for the Australian batsmen have showcased the art of defending whilst still attacking. This strategy is regarded as a common trait in Mumbai’s cricketing ideology. At times, when Australia have shown signs of escaping, the khadoosness in Rahane has ensured India persisted with the same tactics. Eventually, the results went in their favour.
In Melbourne, Rahane batted with grit, not giving an inch while taking up the challenge. In Sydney, on the last two days, the captain ensured the team played in that very tenacious manner. One common aspect about Shastri and Rahane is that they rarely display their emotions in public space. In a way, it sends a message to the opposition that they haven’t achieved anything remarkable. It is almost like they have been trained to perform miracles.
It is a facet that has been instilled in them from the time they start playing in the maidans of Mumbai. Rahane’s decision to introduce Ravichandran Ashwin in the 11th over on a damp and seaming wicket in Melbourne defied common logic, but not a cricketing one.
Shastri opting to speak to the media after the win in Melbourne, something that departed from the practise of the victorious captain being made available to the Press, was not missed by the critics. They felt that the coach was stealing Rahane’s spotlight.
But it is reliably learnt that Shastri only wanted Rahane to spend that time with his teammates in the dressing room. Both have a burning desire for India to succeed, but they prefer to express those thoughts in the inner sanctum of the team.
In Brisbane, India will need the khadoos characteristics of both Rahane and Shastri more than ever. Win, lose or draw, the famous K word from Mumbai cricket has already played a huge role in the way the series has transpired.
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