Currently India’s vice-captain in Test cricket, Rahane takes ‘the backseat’ and allows the skipper to call the shots. He generally keeps a set of plans ready other than making the odd instinctive suggestion.

Rahane also opened up on captaining India in the last Test of their four-match home series against Australia in 2017. With Kohli out injured and the series level at one match apiece, Rahane led the side to an eight-wicket victory in Dharamsala.

“Leading India was pretty special for me, particularly in that Test match, which was a crucial one (against Australia in 2017),” Rahane said. “I had never thought that I would be captaining the team. I was told that I’ll be informed on the eve of the match, maybe because of Virat’s fitness tests, if I’ll be leading the team in the next match.

“So I had no idea if I’ll be the captain in the next match. But then Virat informed that you’ll be leading because I’m not fit enough. Anil bhai [Kumble] was the coach then and he also told me that Virat can’t play so you’ll lead. That moment was very special for me and I couldn’t believe that I would be leading the side. And the series was 1-1 then and to go and win it 2-1, in your first match as a captain was really special for me.”