Ajinkya Rahane recollects the guidance from Rahul Dravid which helped him enhance his mindset in T20 cricket

In an exclusive interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Ajinkya Rahane recollected the guidance from Rahul Dravid, which helped him strengthen his expertise in the T20 cricket. 

A fast-paced format that solicits a robust approach and big-hitting prowess, several batsmen have centred on adhering to the basics by mustering runs with traditional strokeplay.  

"Sometimes the shots you play in T20 cricket do not look good and you feel that you got out by playing a bad looking shot. But Rahul Bhai told me not to bother about what the shots look like In T20, He said it does not matter. He said in T20 cricket, one needs to just watch the ball and hit it. What matters is what is the impact of the shot, that's it, " Ajinkya Rahane was quoted as saying to Deep Dasgupta. 

With Rahul Dravid at the helm, Ajinkya Rahane had a fairytale season in 2012, accumulating 560 runs at an average of 40 in 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals. 

Rahane suggested that if a batsman is convinced of his technique; he should back that up to achieve success in any format.

"I do not try to copy anyone in T20 cricket. The shots I play are inside out, behind the bowler and there are some other shots as well that I have developed. I think if you are sure about your shots, then you should back them." 

The 32-year old batsman, who has amassed 3820 runs in IPL at an average of 32.93 from 140 innings, unfolded his approach to the T20 format. 

"I always plan to keep my strike rate around 150-160 if I am playing 18 balls inside six overs. After those six overs, it is important to break down your innings in T20 cricket." said Rahane.