India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is not bothered by his criticism and stated that his job is to win Test matches for the Indian team. Rahane has often taken the flak for being inconsistent with the bat but he has done his job in the overseas conditions.

Rahane led the Indian team to an emphatic series win in Australia in the absence of full-time skipper Virat Kohli. The right-hander from Mumbai scored a fine knock of 112 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and led the team to a fine win after they were skittled out for only 36 runs in the first pink-ball Test match.

Subsequently, India won the Gabba Test match by four wickets and the series in Australia by 2-1. Ergo, Rahane’s leadership was praised all around the globe.

Rahane feels taking criticism in a positive way has helped him grow in his career.

“I’m happy to take criticism. I feel it’s because of the criticism I’m here. I always want to give my best whether people criticise me or not,” Rahane told reporters in a virtual press conference.

“For me, it’s important to give my best for my country and contribute each and every time be it as a batsman or a fielder,” Rahane said.

“Having played Test cricket for more than eight years, Rahane knows that public opinion is fickle and at best left alone with focus on controllables.

“I don’t really think about criticism. If people criticise me, that’s their thing, and that’s their job. I cannot control all these things. For me, I always focus on controllables, putting my best foot forward, working hard and following my process and the result follows,” added Rahane.

Ajinkya Rahane will play a crucial role in the World Test Championship final both as Kohli’s deputy and as a batsman. The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.