‘I was nervous’: Ajinkya Rahane opens up on replacing Virat Kohli after 36-all-out

Mumbai: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday admitted he was "nervous" after assuming the captaincy from regular leader Virat Kohli following the team's disastrous 36 all-out collapse in Adelaide, but stated that his strategy to "bluff" Australia and their domestic media paid off.

India were dismissed for their lowest-ever Test total of 36 to start their 2020–21 Australian tour in dismal fashion, before a severely depleted squad staged a historic turnaround to secure the four-match series 2-1.

Rahane, who filled the leadership void left by Kohli for the final three Tests, earned widespread acclaim for rallying the side during the historic tour.

"I remember one thought in my head about when we lost the game in Adelaide, and then everyone started talking about that 'India will probably lose 4-0', and 'there's no chance for the Indian team..." Rahane said during a panel discussion at an event titled "Beyond Boundaries".

The event was organised to unveil the official jersey for the Indian men's blind cricket team ahead of the Asia Cup in November.

"I was nervous, frankly. I'll be really honest. But as a sportsman, you get to learn so many things, and the most important learning and the most important thing for me was to bluff in front of my teammates, bluff in front of the Aussies, (and) bluff in front of the media.

"I know the media guys are here, but I think the bluff, that really worked," he stated.

Rahane explained that he felt compelled to project an air of complete confidence to the public and inside the dressing room.

"For me, showing that brave face in front of my teammates… two or three players were getting injured after every game, and finally at the Gabba, we only had 11 players," he recalled.

"I remember talking to my teammates, and I said, 'Oh, we are the lucky ones to be here representing our country. There are so many guys wanting to play for India, but at times, luck plays a massive part in our careers'."

"'And so let's play for those guys who never got an opportunity to play for India, (and for those) who were aspiring to play for India in the future'."

"'Let's forget about the result and the outcome; whatever happens, day four, day five, we will take it. I will take all the responsibility, but let's enjoy the game, play for each other'," he added.

Rahane reflected on how the triumph resonated beyond the sport itself, describing the series as "very special" for the entire country.

"It was indeed very special, the Australia tour, for everyone, not for us the players, but also for the whole nation. Going through COVID times -- a difficult period -- and then quarantine, staying in the room for 14 days, and then practising hard," he recalled.

PTI