Not bothered by criticism: Ajinkya Rahane focused on contributing for team ahead of Headingley Test

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday dismissed criticism he and Cheteshwar Pujara faced from certain sections for batting with a low strike-rate during the Lord’s Test against England, saying they have played long enough to know what suits the team’s interest.

Rahane shrugged off the flak they faced on social media by saying that only “important people” are talked about.

Rahane (61 off 146 balls) and Pujara (45 off 206) took nearly 50 overs to add 100 runs in their partnership.

“I am happy that people are talking about me. I have always believed that people talk about important people, so I am not too concerned about that. It’s all about contribution for the team,” Rahane said ahead of the third Test, starting at Headingly, Leeds, on Wednesday.

Asked again if criticism motivates him, he said, “Everything motivates me. Playing for the country motivates me. I am not bothered about criticism.”

Pujara took 35 balls to get off the mark at Lord’s but his innings along with that of Rahane’s helped India’s cause, with the visitors winning the match by a whopping 151 runs.

Rahane, in the context of the win, said that he was pleased with the way he played.

“I always believed in contribution and that contribution was satisfying. You think about your own…

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