Mumbai, Nov 2: Ajinkya Rahane anchored the Mumbai innings with an unbeaten century on Day 1 of Mumbai’s match against the Railways at the Wankhede Stadium. Unbeaten on 105, he was involved in a 200-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar (137). Dropped early in his innings, the young batsman regained his composure and played diligently thereafter. The youngster who has been on the fringe of the national squad told media after his superb knock that he has gained confidence and is looking to score runs, no matter the opposition.

Excerpts from his press interaction:

You made 54 against England XI and now this; two good back-to-back knocks

As I had said that the 54 was important and I got a lot of confidence out of it. Today, batting with Sachin Tendulkar it was easier because my role was to give him the strike.

Any tips from Sachin Tendulkar?

I keep getting tips while playing with him, and you learn a lot watching him from the non-striker’s end as well.

You were batting a little slow, as opposed to Sachin. Was that a strategy?

Yes it was, he just told me to play my natural game and that’s what I did.

Do you feel you have put a strong case for the selection committee meeting on the 5th?

I’m not thinking about it, I just want to continue batting and keep scoring runs.

You were dropped on 7; did you become more cautious after that while playing the deliveries outside off stump?

Catches keep getting dropped; it’s a part and parcel of the game. After that, I was more determined and I tried to play as much as possible in the ‘V’.

How was the wicket behaving?

Just like it does at Wankhede, but it became a little slightly slower later. If a bowler made the effort, it was helping them as well.

There is a competition for India’s No.6 spot. You are a top-order batsman how do you see yourself fitting in?

I’m not thinking about that. I can bat according to whatever the team management says. I’m not thinking of any particular number. I can bat anywhere.

What does it mean for Sachin to be coming back after 3 years?

It is good for the team’s confidence, especially at the start of the season. If we play well this match and win, it’ll be good for the momentum.

Would you say you’ve faced better attacks than this?

Railways have a decent bowling attack. You just need one ball to get out. So, I just wanted to keep calm and play one ball at a time.