Difficult to match Virat’s energy, but Rahane’s composed behaviour could help India: Ishant Sharma

With Virat Kohli not available for the remaining three Tests, the focus is now on Ajinkya Rahane who will lead the team. Rahane could not have imagined a tougher situation than what his team is in. However, Ishant Sharma, who is not with the team owing to his injury, termed Rahane a bowler’s captain who will lead India well in the remaining matches.

“He’s very confident and I must say he’s a bowler’s captain,” the right-arm bowler, who missed the tour with a side strain injury, told the ESPNcricinfo.

“We’ve played so many times together. Whenever Virat was not there, he’d ask me ‘What kind of field you want? When you want to bowl? Do you want to go on (bowling)?’

“He’s a bowler’s captain. He’s not someone who’d say ‘do this or do that’,” said Ishant.

Ishant continued that it is impossible to match Kohli’s on-field energy but Rahane’s calm and composed mannerisms will help the team during pressure situations.

“If there’s a partnership growing and it’s a flat phase when fielders are just going through their motions, one player’s energy level can change the scenario,” he said.

“The kind of energy Virat brings to the table ... not everyone can match that.

“Jinx (Rahane) spreads calm energy in a pressure situation. There won’t be any tension, he’d communicate with the bowlers very well.”

The Delhi pacer added that even during Virat’s presence Rahane does his job by regularly talking to the bowlers and the captain, acting as a bridge between them.