‘Still Hopeful of Making it to World Cup Squad’: Ajinkya Rahane

The countdown to the 2019 ICC World Cup is on with less than 100 days to go for cricket’s showpiece tournament.

While the Indian cricket team locks in the last few places in the squad based on performances in the ongoing Australia ODI series, Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane says he’s still hopeful of making the cut for the tournament that gets underway on 30 May.

Rahane was part of India’s Test squad that won the historic series in Australia earlier this year but he hasn't featured in the limited-overs formats since the South Africa tour early last year. The 30-year-old, who will be playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the T20 tournament, however said he’s optimistic about still making it to the World Cup squad.

“Yes, I am really hopeful and I’m looking forward to doing well in the IPL. IPL is the biggest platform and I’m sure I will do well in the IPL and get back into the ODI side.”

India’s campaign in the World Cup starts with the 5 June fixture against South Africa in Nottingham. Ranked number two, behind England, in the ICC’s one-day standings, Virat’s team are being seen as one of the favourites for the title. Rahane though picked the hosts to give India the toughest fight for their third ICC World Cup trophy.

“See we all believe every team in the World Cup is really strong but I guess playing in England, England will be really strong. West Indies and New Zealand too,” he said.

The Indian cricketer spoke to The Quint on the sidelines of Nike’s event in Hyderabad where they unveiled India’s kit for the World Cup. Donning the new two-toned blue jersey, Rahane said he was quite impressed with the design innovations in the kit.

“It feels good. It’s really comfortable. For me, the best part is the three stars for each of our World Cup wins – 1983, 2007 and 2011. That’s the best part about this jersey and the fit is really comfortable. As a player, I feel it should be really flexible and it has all the qualities,” said the cricketer.