Ajinkya Rahane, one of India’s most accomplished Test batters in recent history, is setting his sights on a return to the national squad despite a period of uncertainty. While his Test career faced a setback in 2023, the 36-year-old has proven his mettle on the domestic front, displaying remarkable consistency in recent months. Rahane’s dedication to the game remains unwavering as he focuses on excelling for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and preparing for a potential Test comeback.
Recent Form and Domestic Success
Ajinkya Rahane has enjoyed a remarkable run in domestic cricket, particularly in the last 10 matches. His performances have been nothing short of impressive, with three scores surpassing 90 runs, one knock in the 80s, and a century in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal. These achievements have solidified his place as one of the premier batters in the country. His consistency with the bat is evident across formats, as he continues to score heavily in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Ranji Trophy.
Rahane’s recent run of form highlights his ability to adapt and thrive in varying conditions. Reflecting on his performances, he expressed satisfaction with his batting, stating, “I am batting well now. Mushtaq Ali went very well. I have scored runs in earlier matches. I am happy with my batting.” His focus remains on contributing to Mumbai’s ongoing success, as the team progresses to the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.
WTC Final and His Return to India’s Test Squad
Rahane made a remarkable return to the Indian Test squad in 2023, after being away for two years. His inclusion came as a surprise to many, particularly during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, a high-pressure match. Despite India’s disappointing performance overall, Rahane emerged as the team’s top scorer, registering scores of 89 and 46. His contributions were significant on a challenging pitch, underscoring his ability to perform on the big stage.
Following the WTC final, Rahane was named the vice-captain for India’s series against the West Indies. However, a string of low scores led to his exclusion from the squad. Rahane, who had been a crucial figure in India’s Test lineup for several years, acknowledged the disappointment but remained focused on the future. Reflecting on his WTC performance, Rahane stated, “I batted nicely in the World Test Championship final in 2023 too. After that, I got dropped. Being selected or not selected is another matter, and the job of the selectors. But I thought I played well in that WTC final.”
Dedication to Test Cricket and Domestic Success
jinkya Rahane’s connection to Test cricket runs deep, and despite being dropped from the national team after the West Indies tour, his passion for the format remains unchanged. “Domestic cricket has given me everything and because of that, I still have that passion. I still have that love for the game. I respect Test cricket. I don’t know what will happen in the future. But abhi bhi cricket bacha hai mere mein (there’s still cricket left in me),” Rahane emphasized. This sentiment reflects his belief that there is still plenty of cricket left to be played in his career, and he is determined to keep pushing for a spot in the Indian team.
His achievements on the domestic circuit continue to reaffirm his credentials. Rahane’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he amassed 469 runs at an average of 58.62, are a testament to his skill and fitness. He has also displayed aggressive intent with a strike rate of nearly 165, a quality that adds an additional dimension to his batting.
A Potential Test Return: What Lies Ahead
Ajinkya Rahane’s goal of a Test cricket return remains in focus as the 2025 season progresses. India’s Test team, having failed to qualify for the WTC final this year, faces a longer gap before their next assignment – a five-match series in England scheduled for June. Rahane was asked about his prospects for making a comeback ahead of the England tour, and he remained optimistic but focused on his current responsibilities with Mumbai.
“That’s in June. There’s still a lot of time. Right now, we have a Ranji Trophy semifinal to play. We’ll go home tomorrow, take a couple of days off, and then focus on the next match,” he remarked. Rahane is committed to continuing his strong form in the Ranji Trophy, which remains his priority. His contributions have been crucial to Mumbai’s success this season, with 437 runs at an average of 39.72 in the tournament.
Rahane’s Leadership Role and Legacy in Indian Cricket
Ajinkya Rahane has long been recognized as one of India’s most reliable Test batters. He served as the vice-captain of the Indian Test team under Virat Kohli for several years and was an instrumental part of India’s historic victory in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rahane’s leadership during this series, especially after India’s early setbacks, earned him immense respect both within the team and among fans.
As the Mumbai captain, Rahane continues to lead by example, inspiring his team with his resilience and commitment. His leadership has been crucial in guiding Mumbai to another successful Ranji Trophy campaign, with the team now preparing for the semifinals. Rahane’s experience and knowledge of the game make him a valuable asset to both his domestic team and the Indian national side.
Conclusion
Ajinkya Rahane’s journey in international cricket has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Although his recent exclusion from India’s Test squad was disappointing, his recent performances in domestic cricket suggest that he still has much to offer at the highest level. Rahane’s dedication to Test cricket remains unwavering, and he continues to remain focused on performing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. As the Indian team looks ahead to their upcoming tours, Rahane’s form could very well play a crucial role in determining whether he makes a return to the national squad in the near future.
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Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) / X.
