Pallekele, Aug 4: Emerging batsman Ajinkya Rahane has got an opportunity to play in the last ODI of the five-match series against Sri Lanka, coming in for Virender Sehwag. The youngster, who has been patiently waiting his turn, hopes to make the most of the opportunity.

In a television interview ahead of the match, Rahane spoke about his focus on learning even while watching the game from the sidelines.

Excerpts:

On the opportunity to play today

It is a great opportunity for me because we have already won this series and it is a good chance for all the youngsters like me. I will try and do my best.

On whether it was mentally taxing to be sitting on the bench

Not really because we keep learning from all the senior players. I always try and learn from Viru bhai [Virender Sehwag], Sachin paaji [Sachin Tendulkar] and [MS] Dhoni bhai. My focus is to just keep learning and doing well.

On his batting in the IPL being a revelation and whether he had made any changes to his batting style

I was just trying to keep it simple and was trying to play all the cricketing shots and that’s what I did.

On how he motivates himself when he is not part of the team

I always try and learn new things every day and my focus [is on] things that are in my hand.

On the greatest influence on his cricket

From childhood I [have been] following Sachin paaji and Rahul bhai [Dravid] – they’re both my role models.