Ajinkya Rahane underlines importance of fitness as Mumbai begin off-season camp

Ajinkya Rahane (Pic: File Pic)

Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday underlined the importance of fitness and urged his teammates to use the off-season camp to improve themselves.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) launched the three-month-long camp on the theme titled 'Home of the Champions' for the upcoming season. Under Ajinkya Rahane, Mumbai won their record-extending Ranji Trophy title last season. Well aware of the importance of fitness, Rahane stated that work behind the scenes is critical for players to deliver on the field.

"It will inspire many youngsters to do well for Mumbai and carry the legacy forward and do well for Mumbai in all age groups (teams), Rahane told media.

"Working on fitness and on your own game plan, because this is the time when you can actually focus on what areas you want to improve as an individual," Rahane said when asked about what kind of work he would want the players to focus on.

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"Once the season starts, it is all about what the team requires from you. These 2-3 months is all about getting better as individuals in terms of fitness and skills," he added.

Ajinkya Rahane praised MCA's decision to appoint Dhawal Kulkarni as the bowling mentor for all the teams across age groups.

"It is a very good gesture from MCA. He has played Mumbai for so many years, he has represented India and I am sure that will be of help," he said.

"He has the ability of spotting the talent from various age groups and develop them. I am sure he will find good bowlers for Mumbai and India, Rahane added.

The Indian cricketer will also feature in County cricket to give himself more match time during this period. "For me, it's very important to keep playing and that is what I was looking for, Rahane said, confirming that he is set for a stint with Leicestershire.

"Playing matches at this stage is important. I will work on my fitness for a month and will go to Leicester for County matches," he said. "For me it is all about having those matches under my belt before our domestic season starts otherwise it becomes too long a gap and you hardly get anytime to (address) whatever areas you want to improve," Rahane added.

Sarfaraz Khan, who debuted for India during England's test series addressed various age groups by highlighting the importance of being focused and not give in to frustrations.

"I would get frustrated in between thinking I was not getting that opportunity (to play for India), but my father would tell me to focus on performing to think as if I am playing for India even if I am playing Ranji Trophy and thus I would only focus on performing," he said.

(With PTI Inputs)