There are only thirteen Indian cricketers who have surpassed the 5000-run mark in Test cricket, and Ajinkya Rahane shines among them. He debuted in red-ball cricket in 2013 and has earned a strong reputation for performing in overseas conditions. Away games in Australia, England, and South Africa were often duly performed on by him over the home games.

In the end, Rahane was Virat Kohli's deputy and led India to a historic victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21. However, inconsistency soon crept in. Between 2017 and 2023, he averaged over 40 in a calendar year just once, in 2019. It was this slump that led to several omissions from the team, with the latest being post the West Indies tour of 2023.

He turns 35 by then. By the time India turns to play in the Test series against England, beginning on June 20, he would be just under 37. Not that age may be his friend-the fact is, he is still not over yet. Currently, this player is captained by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 and is still dreaming to make a Test squad selection for the England tour.

Rahane said commnted at Star Sports’ Press Room interaction:

“I would love to be back in the Indian set-up again. The desire, the hunger, the fire is still there. Fitness-wise, I am right up there. I just want to take one game at a time, thinking about this IPL right now, and then, let’s see what happens in the future.”

The past player scored 263 runs at an average of 52.60 in the later half of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. Last year, he also played County cricket for Leicestershire. His form continues in IPL 2025, and he stood out as one of the best batters in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy too.

KKR Captain added:

“I am a guy who will never give up. I always try and give my best on the field, to give more than 100 per cent. It’s always about that, focusing on controllable things. I have been playing domestic cricket as well, and I am really enjoying my cricket at this moment.” 

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Since then, he has stayed fit and still thirsts to wear the India cap again and again. This is called a second coming in which the selectors will throw him into the misfit pool. If he hasn't got exceptional numbers in Test matches in England, he certainly has more experience than Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Shreyas Iyer combined.

Rahane Expressed:

“I want to represent my country. I want to wear those Indian colours again. During the off-season, I train for two to three sessions a day. I feel at this moment, for me, keeping myself really fit is really important; recovery is really important.”