India’s Test vice-captain and middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane expressed confidence in team ahe of first Test match against South Africa starting from October 2, saying that ir ‘preparation has been really good.’ Rahane said, “As a batting unit, you have to apt to all conditions and you got to prepare yourself really well before series starts. Our preparation has been really good. We h a really good practice session today and one more day tomorrow going into match,” in a pre-match press conference on Monday.

Ajinkya Rahane: ' important thing is to win series and win match'

Rahane said he does t want to put too much pressure on himself and is aiming to contribute as much as possible for team. “I am looking to stay in moment, staying in present and that’s what I did in West Indies as well… Staying in moment, believe in my ability and look to contribute to team so that I do t put too much pressure on myself,” he said. Rahane also said that it is important to win every match because of Test Championship. “ important thing is to win series and win match. Because of this Test Championship, you cant take any team for granted and point systems are involved. I think it is important to respect your opponents,” he said.

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Vern Philander wants team's senior player to take responsibility

India will enter field with a lot of confidence as y won both Test matches against West Indies. Meanwhile, South Africa pacer Vern Philander wants team's senior players to take responsibility and throw "first punch" at "big dogs" India in upcoming three-match Test series starting October 2. opening Test against India will mark start of South Africa's ICC World Test Championship campaign and Philander said it is going to be a tough battle first up. It will be first Test series for South Africa since retirements of experienced players such as Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn. South Africa will look to kick-start ir ICC World Test Championship campaign after drawing T20 series 1-1 with India.

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A tough start, says Vern Philander

"It's a tough start playing India in India but I don't think South Africans would have wanted it any or way take big dogs in ir home ground," Philander said. "All of us are looking forward to this challenge and re are a lot of player-to-player challenges as well. spotlight will be on a lot of big players to make a statement. Our job is to come here and give first punch as India is obviously expected to do well," said Philander after conclusion of final day of practice game. He said, "We are kwn as a team who starts slow so this time around we have to start well. re is a lot of pressure on players (but n) it's international cricket and you want to keep it that way."

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(Inputs from PTI)