Virat Kohli’s squad will be high on confidence with their win over South Africa in the opening One Day International (ODI) match against the Proteas on Thursday.

Ahead of the six-match ODI series, Rahane’s batting position was a topic of discussion in the Indian camp.

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However, the ‘dependable’ Ajinkya Rahane ended this discussion with his sensational knock of 79 in the first ODI, that India won by six wickets.

Talking to the media ahead of the second ODI match, Rahane revealed that he is more comfortable batting at number four as he knows how to take the charge from that spot.

“I am better equipped for batting at number four, I am more matured now. I know how to build my innings at number four,” Rahane said.

Other than Rahane, batsmen like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik have tried to bat at number four.

“Batting at number four is different. The confidence came from the last Test win at Johannesburg, where I scored 48 runs. But I was actually determined to do well at that slot because I have batted at that position during the 2015 World Cup (in Australia and New Zealand),” Rahane added.

When Rahane was asked about Indian innings during the first ODI he said, “We knew that it (270) was a par score on that wicket.”

“Our bowlers did a really good job. Personally, I really enjoyed batting at that particular position and I am looking forward to doing even better,” he added.

When Rahane was asked about his position as an opener and now at number four he said, “When you bat at Nos 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 am naturally an attacking batsman and these wickets suit me a lot. There is good pace and bounce. So these wickets suit me a lot. So my plan was to take my time initially and if I get set, then carry on my innings,” said Rahane.

“I enjoy facing challenges and when you play in South Africa against this sort of attack you know that you are up for the challenge. We don’t take them lightly. As I mentioned, I just wanted to take my time but I enjoyed facing this challenge,” Rahane said.

While talking about the on-going series between India and South Africa, Rahane said, “I was completely blank. I wasn’t thinking about any result. Ahead of this (series), I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was just thinking about what would be my role in the series. I just wanted to keep contributing towards the win. Right now, the team management told me to bat at No 4 position. So I just want to give my best shot.”