Ajinkya Rahane reveals he bluffed teammates and media during 2020-21 Australia tour
Ajinkya Rahane revealed he projected false confidence to teammates and media during India's historic 2020-21 tour of Australia.
Ajinkya Rahane said he was nervous when he assumed India captaincy from Virat Kohli after the Adelaide Test where India were bowled out for 36. He admitted bluffing teammates, Australia and the media to project confidence during the tour. Rahane said the bluff worked and helped the team overcome multiple challenges.
Two or three players got injured after every game on the COVID-19 affected tour. India reached the fourth Test at the Gabba with only 11 players after spending 14 days in quarantine. Rahane told teammates they were lucky to represent India and urged them to play for players who never got an opportunity.
India drew the third Test in Sydney and won the fourth at the Gabba by three wickets. The victory ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten home record at the venue. India won the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series 2-1. Rahane spoke at an event titled Beyond Boundaries.
CricHubb Take
The admission that Rahane felt compelled to project confidence he did not feel highlights the psychological demands placed on leaders during high-stakes tours where squad depth is already compromised.