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Ajinkya Rahane Photograph: (X)
Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has been in the news for his return to form with the bat. The 36-year-old scored a century in the quarter-final match against Haryana. Indian fans took to social media and asked the selectors to give Rahane a recall to the Test side with some of the big-name stars struggling for form.
Rahane who is set to lead Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy semis against Vidarbha spoke to Indian Express ahead of the game. The match which is to be played in Nagpur is a rematch for last year’s finals which saw Mumbai win the game and claim the title.
During his chat with Indian Express, Mumbai’s skipper said that his only way of letting people know his via his game. Rahane said “People say you need to be in the news. I don’t have a PR team, my only PR is my cricket. I have now realised that staying in the news is important. Otherwise, people think that I’m out of the circle”
‘Drive is to make another comeback’ – Ajinkya Rahane
The last time Rahane played for India was in 2023 during the tour of West Indies where he failed to score. After a brilliant IPL 2023 season, Rahane was recalled for the WTC finals against Australia where he scored 82 and 49 in what turned out to be a losing effort. This year the veteran batter is set to play for KKR and there are reports he might also lead the side.
When asked by Indian Express’ Devendra Pandey what motivates him to keep going, Rahane said “Test cricket. There is still fire and passion in me. I’m playing Ranji Trophy at the moment, trying to give my all to the Mumbai team. The goal is clear to make another comeback. When I was dropped a few years ago, I made runs and was picked for the World Test Championship final and then was dropped again”
Ajinkya Rahane was also asked if he was hurt after being given just one series in West Indies and then being sidelined. The veteran batter replied “I did well in domestic cricket and in the IPL and was called again. Whenever an experienced player makes a comeback, one knows that he will get 2-3 series. I knew that South Africa was a challenging series and I was expecting a call, but I wasn’t picked. I felt bad because I have been serving for so long”