Experienced Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane, who is 37, has once again voiced his unabated love and dedication to Test cricket, despite not having played in the format for almost two years. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rahane explained his frame of mind, training sessions, and his desire to make a return to India’s red-ball team.
“I still want to play Test cricket. I’m really passionate about red-ball cricket and I’m enjoying my game at the moment,” said Rahane while speaking with Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton.
Silence from Selectors Doesn’t Shake Rahane’s Resolve
Rahane openly admitted that attempts to reach out to the national selectors have gone unanswered. However, he emphasized that staying focused on his performance and fitness is all he can control.
“I attempted to speak with the selectors, but there was no response. As a player, all one can do is worry about the controllables, play some good cricket, remain fit, and enjoy the game,” he further added.
Domestic Commitment: Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Heroics
Ever since being dropped from India’s Test team, Ajinkya Rahane has been a major presence in the domestic competition. He captained Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy victory during the 2023-24 season and took them to a runner-up position in 2024-25. He also contributed to Mumbai’s successful Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 campaign.
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In Ranji 2024-25, Rahane had accumulated 467 runs in 14 matches with a century and a fifty to his credit at an average of 35.92. Even with stiff competition from the new generation, his statistics say a lot about his consistency.
IPL 2025: Best Performer for KKR
In IPL 2025, Rahane was the top scorer for Kolkata Knight Riders, although the team was eighth in the points table. He scored 390 runs in 14 matches with a record-breaking strike rate of 147.27, showing his worth as a player in T20 also.
New Era in Indian Cricket, But Rahane Remains Committed
The Indian Test team has undergone significant changes in recent times, with the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Young guns such as Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have moved into important middle-order positions, with KL Rahul being the sole veteran who is always in the selectors’ scheme of things.
Despite the new faces emerging, Ajinkya Rahane is unfazed. His message is blunt: he is willing to deliver whenever given the opportunity.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Test Dream Is Still Alive
Although on the periphery, Ajinkya Rahane’s passion for Test cricket has not died down. His dedication to fitness, domestic cricket, and game preparation in general remains, as he keeps fingers crossed for one last chance to don the India whites.
“The love for the game keeps me going. I love playing Test cricket. That hunger is still there,” quoted Rahane.
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