'My whole perception changed' - Ankit Bawne credits Rahul Dravid's advice for enhanced mental clarity, consistent runs

Published - 02 Jan 2026, 10:10 IST | Updated - 02 Jan 2026, 10:11 IST

Senior Maharashtra batter Ankit Bawne has elaborated on how Rahul Dravid's words from a few years ago changed his perception and approach towards cricket. Bawne is currently representing Maharashtra in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Bawne specified that he has a specific mental process and it is his desire to score runs and win matches for Maharashtra that keeps him ticking year after year.

“Every year, I come with the same excitement to score runs and win games. I like batting, I like winning games for my state, and that gives me happiness. I don’t complicate things in terms of where to reach, where to go, what’s my destiny,” stated Bawne, as quoted by Sportstar.

Bawne recounted that Dravid guided him and suggested him to not be attached to results and instead enjoy the process. He attributed his then-India A head coach's words as the key reason behind his success.

"Rahul sir told me that there’s anyways a cut-throat competition, and if you put yourself in that race, neither can you enjoy life, nor cricket. And, that’s when my whole perception changed. I took Rahul sir’s words seriously, and that’s why I have been able to score runs regularly, because I am mentally sorted,” he added.

Speaking of Bawne's First-Class record, he has played 128 matches and registered 8,327 runs at an impressive average of 50.46. Bawne has 42 fifties and 24 centuries to his name with a highest score of 258*. Bawne, who made his FC debut in December 2007, is yet to represent India on the international level.

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As of January 1, he has scored 4,804 runs in List A cricket at an average of 48.52 in 130 matches.

Maharashtra will next take on Mumbai in the ongoing VHT on January 3. Bawne's side is placed fourth on the points table after four matches and a win against the in-form Mumbai will be vital for them as the tournament moves forward.