Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane is a “bowler’s captain” whose calm demeanour and clear communication with players should help him lead the team well in the remainder of the Test series against Australia, says India fast bowler Ishant Sharma.

Ishant, who missed the Australia tour because of an injury, said Rahane has the ability to nicely play the leadership role. “He’s very quiet and confident and I must say he’s a bowler’s captain,” Ishant told ESPNcricinfo. “Whenever we have played together and Virat has not been around on the field, he’d ask me ‘What kind of field do you want? When do you want to bowl? Do you want to go on (bowling)?’

“He’s a bowler’s captain. He is very clear about what he wants from his team.”

Rahane has led India to victories both times he has captained the side in Kohli absence, against Australia and Afghanistan.

“You can see what kind of person he is in his captaincy. He is very calm and composed. Rahane spreads calm energy in a pressure situation. He communicates with the bowlers very well.”