‘100s of catches at training made Rahane successful’

It’s not overnight that Ajinkya Rahane has turned into one of India’s best slip catchers in recent times as he takes “hundreds of catches” during training session, revealed Indian team’s fielding coach R Sridhar.

“He is (Rahane) evolving into an excellent slip fielder. He has got the temperament and demeanour to be a good slip fielder. Let’s make no bones about it he works really hard at it. He takes hundreds of catches and he is very specific about where he wants them, what he wants to do, at what height he wants them, what he’s likely to get in the match,” Sridhar told mediapersons about the Mumbaikar, who holds the world record for maximum catches in a Test innings.

“Also he has got excellent understanding of the angles, the pace, depth (dipping) of the ball, which is likely to come (at him). We spoke of perception earlier -- that is something he is developing standing in the slips. He is evolving into a very good slip fielder, which augurs well for the team,” the fielding coach was lavish in his praise.

Sridhar emphasised on the need to have a settled combination for the slip cordon, which is essential for a team’s success.