Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has shared his thoughts on India’s upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15. The experienced middle-order batter, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, believes India’s batters will need to be proactive and have a clear strategy to counter the hosts’ bowling attack.

India will play the two Tests in Galle and Colombo as they look to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With Sri Lanka expected to prepare spin-friendly conditions, Rahane has stressed the importance of India’s batters staying positive rather than allowing the opposition spinners to dictate terms.

Ajinkya Rahane urges India batters to be proactive

Speaking to PTI, Rahane reflected on his experience of playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka and explained why India’s batters need to take the game to the opposition. The former captain believes India will need to maintain an attacking mindset against Sri Lanka’s spin attack while trusting their individual game plans.

“I think in Sri Lanka, the first-day wicket generally is very good. But being on top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That’s what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive. You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin-friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side. And again, a home team is always a tough team to beat,” Rahane said.

Rahane also pointed out that Sri Lanka remain a difficult destination for visiting teams. Australia are the only side to have won a Test series in the country over the last three years.

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India face crucial challenge in Sri Lanka

The series is important for India’s WTC campaign, with the team currently fifth in the standings after winning four of their nine matches. They will need a strong run of results in their remaining fixtures to stay in contention for the final. India have won their previous two Test series in Sri Lanka, in 2015 and 2017, but the current squad has limited experience of playing Test cricket there. KL Rahul is the only batter in the squad to have toured the country during both of those series.

India have already begun preparations with a three-day practice match at the NCC Ground in Colombo. Sri Lanka reached 358/8 on the opening day on a placid surface, while Shubman Gill missed the day’s play due to a minor left-thumb niggle. With the first Test beginning in Galle on August 15, India will hope to adapt quickly to the conditions and put Rahane’s advice into practice.

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