Ajinkya Rahane believes the inclusion of fresh players for the one-day series has helped India overcome their Test debacle in England.
Following their 3-1 humiliation in the five-match Test series, India have bounced back in the one-day series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series with the first one-dayer at Bristol being abandoned due to rain.
Middle-order batsmen Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, who were not part of the Test series, have been key to India’s success in the one-dayers.
While Raina leads the batting charts with 142 runs from two matches, including a 75-ball 100, Rayudu is not far behind scoring 64 not out in the only match he played at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
The fresh pair of legs have also improved India’s fielding which had hit a low in the Test series.
“The new boys who have joined the team, have brought in a lot of fresh energy,” Rahane said.
“Yes we didn’t do well in the Tests but that doesn’t make us a bad fielding unit. We have made a conscious effort to be energetic on the field and back each other.
“We were really hurt after what happened in the Test series but we knew that we have to move on. We helped each other in getting over the hurt and to channel our focus on the ODI series,” he added.
Rahane, who opened the innings in the third ODI in Trent Bridge following an injury to regular opener Rohit Sharma, said he enjoyed his new role.
The Mumbaikar responded with an attractive 45 off 56 balls as India coasted to a six-wicket victory.
“I was really excited and enjoyed opening again. I knew I was batting well and I know the conditions well by now.
“I went in with a very positive mindset. I was determined to play my shots,” he told bcci.tv.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan and start batsman Virat Kohli had a poor run in the Test series but Rahane is confident the top order duo will come out of the rut.
“Shikhar was actually batting well,” Rahane revealed about his opening partner who scored 19 off 23 balls.
Kohli fared much better scoring 40 off 50 balls, which incidentally was his best knock of the series.
“As for Virat, there is nothing wrong with him. He is a fine player and he is actually looking good while he is out there batting. It’s tough on him that he is getting out cheaply despite batting well.
“This phase will only make him a much better cricketer. He knows what he is doing and his confidence comes from that,” he added.