SITTING OUTSIDE: AJINKYA RAHANE OPENS UP ON RISHAB PANT AHEAD OF 1ST TEST AGAINST NEW ZEALAND!

India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane feels that Rishab Pant should focus on what he could control and keep working hard until opportunity knocks the door.

Pant's spot in the team turned questionable after KL Rahul exhibited phenomenal performance both with bat and gloves.

“It’s important to accept whatever you are going through. Be positive, try and learn as many things as possible from any of the players. Not saying it has to be senior or junior,” Rahane said.

“See no one likes to sit outside but whatever your team needs on a particular game, you have got to accept that. I think acceptance is really important talking about that particular individual. Focus on controllables, keeping working hard and improve as a cricketer."

“You should try and focus on what he can control as player and keep visualizing that you will get an opportunity. You know what your role is. For Rishabh, he bats at No 6 or 7, so keep visualising about what if he gets an opportunity and what his role is. Keep it simple,” he added.

Reports suggest that not KL Rahul but Wriddhiman Saha will be the wicket-keeper in the first Test against New Zealand starting Friday. Thanks to his job in the home Test series against Bangladesh.