During India’s first ODI against South Africa on Thursday, Ajinkya Rahane became the third Indian batsman to score five consecutive half-centuris in the 50-over format after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. With the top three spots of their batting order packed, Rahane got to bat at no. 4 for the Men in Blue.

 "I really enjoyed batting at No. 4. This is not something new to me because I batted at No. 4 in the 2015 World Cup [and] also in a few other series, so really enjoyed batting in that position. We just wanted to spend time in the middle. I was confident in myself and my ability. We knew that we wanted to build one partnership, and that's what we did.

 "It's all about how you think, especially when you bat No.3 and 4, it's all about how you think. My mindset was just to take my time initially, and then later on back my instincts. I'm naturally an attacking batsman. And these wickets suit me a lot. Good pace and bounce. Plan was to take my time initially and if I get set, carry on my innings.

 "I don't see any difficulties in batting at No. 4. I have mentioned many times that I am ready to bat at any position the team management tells me to. My mindset is such that whatever my team management tells me to do I always give positive response on that. So my mind is always ready to take any opportunity that comes my way," said Ajinkya.

 According to the right-handed batsman, he took confidence from his performance in the 3rd Test against South Africa. Before that match India lost the first two Tests. As a result, they lost the 3-match series. Ajinkya Rahane was sidelined during those two Tests and his return surely changed things for India. He revealed that he was determined to do well.

 Rahane stated, "The confidence which came from last Test win at Johannesburg, I got 48. Here [in the 1st ODI], the situation was completely different. We were chasing 270 and we knew that it was a par score on that wicket. Our bowlers did a really good job. Personally, batting at No. 4, I really enjoyed, and I am looking forward to doing even better."

 After a key contribution with the bat in the win on a minefield at the Wanderers, Rahane earned his chance in ODIs. He made a 189-run partnership along with the India skipper Virat Kohli in the 1st ODI against the Proteas in Durban. India were just 14 runs away from victory when Rahane became the third batsman to return to the pavilion following a delivery from Phehlukwayo.