'Never played to prove anything' - Abhishek Nayar lavishes praises on Ajinkya Rahane

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has opened up on working with Ajinkya Rahane, who is now a vital player of the franchise.

Rahane was picked as a backup opener by KKR, and since Alex Hales opted out of the tournament, he was given a chance to open in the tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 33-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands and played a match-winning 44-run knock for his side.

Labelling Rahane as a 'team man', Nayar lauded the KKR batter for his commitment to every side he plays for.

"Knowing Ajinkya, he has been someone who never played to prove anything to people. Someone who has always played because he enjoys playing this game. Also, he plays with the utmost desire to do well for his team," Nayar told KKR's official website.

"He's an absolute team man. If there was one player who would stand out and you can consider a proper team man, I think it's Ajinkya," he added.

Rahane was recently dropped from India's Test team and went on to play the Ranji Trophy in a bid to make a comeback. Although Nayar asserted that the Maharashtra-born cricketer has the calibre to return to the national team, his sole motive currently lies in winning a title for KKR.

"In terms of making a comeback [for India], I think he has always had that calibre. Like when he came back from the Test side to play first-class cricket for Mumbai, he got a hundred in the first game," he added. 

In the end, the former Mumbai batsman affirmed that Rahane isn't looking at the ongoing season of IPL to make a comeback to the national team. 

"Also, Rahane is someone who's always got runs. Even in the IPL he has been successful. I don't think he's approaching the IPL in terms of making a comeback," Nayar concluded.