"There's still fire and passion in me.." Ajinkya Rahane optimistic of returning to Indian test team

Ajinkya Rahane’s last test outing came in July 2023.

Ajinkya Rahane is regarded as one of the most elegant Indian batsmen of the last decade. Known for his excellent stroke play, he has played several remarkable knocks under pressure.

However, Rahane has not been part of the Indian team for the past two years. He last played test cricket in 2023 against West Indies in Port of Spain, where he managed just eight runs.

The 36-year-old has been actively participating in the Ranji Trophy since then leading Mumbai to the title in 2024. He has now shared his thoughts on his future in the oldest format of the game.

Ajinkya Rahane opens up on his test cricket future:

Speaking to the Indian Express, Rahane emphasized that his cricket is his PR. However, he also acknowledged that he has realized that staying in the news is important.

Rahane said, “I was always shy, now I have opened up. My focus has been to play cricket and go home. Nobody told me that going ahead, certain things will be needed. Today also, sometimes I feel ki bas cricket khelo, ghar jao.“

“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.”

He emphasized that his hunger for test cricket remains strong. The 36-year-old stated that he is currently focused on performing well for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and working towards another comeback in the Indian test team.

He added, “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.“

Rahane also shared his thoughts on being dropped from the test team after the World Test Championship 2023 final.

He said, “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. But what is in my control? To play.“

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