Windies Tests an opportunity for young players: Rahane

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has said that the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies is an opportunity for the young players to prove their credibility and express themselves freely on the field.

Speaking at a press conference, the 30-year-old further stated that newcomers in the team should not feel pressurised and should primarily focus on giving their best as they do in the domestic matches.

"The series is an opportunity for each and every individual particularly for the guys who are coming in like Prithvi (Shaw), Mayank (Agarwal) and (Mohammed) Siraj as they have all done well in domestic matches for India A," Rahane said.

"There is no pressure at all. It is all about going there and expressing yourself. Give your best and have fun," he added.

Reflecting on the team's strategy ahead of the Test series, Rahane asserted that they would focus on their strengths without taking their opponents lightly.

"We will not take the Indies side lightly. We would like to focus on our positives and improve our performance. As a team, it is important to see how we can improve our game," he stated.

When asked about his Mumbai mate Prithvi Shaw, who made it to the Test squad for West Indies series, Rahane said that he is really happy for him while also expressing belief that the former would perform well in the matches.

"I am really happy for him. He is an attacking opening batsman. He has done so well for Mumbai on a consistent basis. I wish him good luck. I am sure he will do well," Rahane expressed.

India are slated to take on West Indies in the first Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot from October 4, followed by the second Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad from October 12.