Ajinkya Rahane, known for his classy shots and great timing, has been in top form in domestic cricket since being dropped from India’s Test team in 2023. In the recent Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, he played a key role in Mumbai’s 152-run win over Haryana by scoring his 41st first-class century.
The experienced batter put up a solid 108 runs, helping Mumbai secure a crucial victory.
Rahane last played for India in the Port-of-Spain Test against the West Indies in July 2023. Before that, he had impressed with scores of 89 and 46 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.
Speaking about his exclusion, Rahane said, “I performed well over the last three years. I played well in the WTC final, but after that, I was dropped from the team.”
Despite feeling disappointed, Rahane knows that team selection is not in his control. “For me, it’s about staying in the present, improving my game, and continuing to grow as a cricketer. I always focus on giving my best every time I step on the field,” he said.
Apart from his strong Ranji Trophy performances, Rahane has also shined in T20 cricket. He was the highest run-scorer in this season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 469 runs. With experience in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, his recent form could play a key role in earning him a Test comeback and securing his place in the Indian team again.
