Ajinkya Rahane promises aggressive cricket from India in NZ ODIs

Dharamsala, Oct 14: Batsman Ajinkya Rahane has promised "aggressive" cricket from Team India in the 5-match One Day International series against New Zealand starting on Sunday (October 16) here.

Ind-NZ ODI series schedule; Ind ODI squad

Having made a 3-0 clean sweep over the Kiwis in the preceding Test rubber, India will again be "aggressive" and will look to grab the momentum early on by winning the 1st ODI at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, according to Rahane.

"(We are) looking forward to this ODI series. We have done well in the Test series, having won 3-0. It is important to start fresh here. Momentum will be the key. Winning the first match will be important to gain that momentum. (I am) really excited about the new guys coming into the team. It is really energising. Everyone is looking in good shape. They have done well in India A series and few guys did well in Ranji Trophy too," Rahane told reporters on Friday (October 14).

The 28-year-old Rahane, who had a memorable Test series with 347 runs including his career-best 188 in the 3rd and final match in Indore, said the team will be focusing on their strengths.

"Discipline will be the key. In Test series our intent was aggressive all the time. Here again (in ODI series) our intent will be to be aggressive. We want to play intense cricket and play to our strengths rather than focusing on their strengths or weaknessess. We will be focusing on our strengths," he added.

With Shikhar Dhawan not part of the 15-man Indian squad led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahane is likely to open with his Mumbai team-mate Rohit Sharma. But when asked about it, he remained non-commital.

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