Rahane defends declining drinks offer

Ajinkya Rahane has defended India’s decision to shun post-series drinks with the Australians at the conclusion of the Dharamsala Test.

Invited in by Australia captain Steve Smith after India secured an eight-wicket win in the fourth match, India declined as Virat Kohli, who missed the fourth Test through injury, inflamed relations after the match by claiming the series had ended his friendships with the tourists.

Kohli later clarified those comments to say he had lost respect for "only a couple of individuals" but the Indians opted not to indulge in the traditional post-series dressing room mixer.

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"It's past now. I am happy we won the Test series and as a unit we played really well. As a team, we had our own celebrations," Rahane said.

"It was important for me and my team to stay together after a long and successful season.

"When you win as a team, you should celebrate as a team. So we celebrated in our dressing room. We had to celebrate as a team."

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Rahane, who became India's 33rd Test captain in Dharamsala in Kohli's absence, won plaudits for his leadership in the pivotal Test.

Smith and Australia coach Darren Lehmann both praised Rahane's leadership after the match and the batsman said he had been inspired to step out of Kohli's shadow by Sachin Tendulkar.

"As a captain, I knew I am a different person and everybody has his own style as captain," Rahane said.

"On the ground, I knew I had seniors with me, but at the end, I had to take calls.

"Throughout the match, I wanted to follow my style.

"Before the match, I got a call from Sachin. He also asked me to follow my instinct. It inspired me."

Rahane and Smith will play together at the Rising Pune Supergiants in this year's Indian Premier League, with the pair posing together at a promotional photoshoot.

Smith will captain the side with India leaders Rahane and MS Dhoni in the playing ranks.

"Smith is the captain, so it is important to give him his space," Rahane said.

"We are lucky to have Dhoni in our side and he is an inspiration for not just the Indians, but also for overseas players. I am sure even Smith will take his advice from him.

"Dhoni may not be the captain, but him as a player is an inspiration. A person like him teaches a lot even with his presence.

"He doesn't speak much, but whenever he does, he leaves you inspired."