Can Ajinkya Rahane return to India's Test side?
12 Feb 2025

Former Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has reiterated his strong desire to make a comeback in Test cricket.

However, he stressed that his only focus at the moment is to deliver top-notch performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Rahane has been in exceptional form of late with three scores above 90, an 80-plus knock, as well as a century in the quarter-finals of this Ranji Trophy.

Rahane reflects on his WTC final performance
Test cricket

Notably, Rahane was recalled to India's Test squad after a two-year hiatus for the 2023 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

Despite the team's dismal performance, he was the top scorer with 89 and 46 runs.

However, after three low scores in subsequent Tests against West Indies, Rahane was dropped.

"Being selected or not selected is another matter, and the job of the selectors, " he stated as Mumbai reached the Ranji Trophy semi-finals.

Rahane's passion for cricket remains undiminished
Cricketing journey

Notably, Rahane, who was India's vice-captain under Virat Kohli and led them to a historic 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win Down Under, last played for India in July 2023.

Talking about his love for the sport, he stated, "Domestic cricket has given me everything and because of that I still have that passion. I still have that love for the game. I respect Test cricket. But abhi bhi cricket bacha hai mere mein (there's still cricket left in me)."

Performance in domestic cricket and future plans
Domestic performance

As Mumbai's captain, Rahane has scored 437 runs at an average of 39.72 (12 innings) in the Ranji Trophy.

Meanwhile, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 469 runs at an average of 58.62 with a strike-rate of nearly 165, including three 90s.

When asked about a possible comeback for India's five-match tour of England in June, he said "That's in June. There's still a lot of time. Right now, we have a Ranji Trophy semi-final to play."

Upcoming stint with Kolkata Knight Riders
IPL journey

Post the Ranji Trophy, Rahane will join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their most experienced Indian player.

With Shreyas Iyer's move to Punjab Kings and no clear captaincy choice in sight, Rahane could be a potential option.

However, he confirmed that there have been no talks with KKR management about it so far.

Nevertheless, he said he is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way, based on his experience in different situations over the years.

Rahane's Test and FC numbers
Stats

Across 85 Tests, the veteran batter has racked up 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46.

Additionally, he has also hammered 12 tons and 26 fifties in the 144 innings he played for India. His highest score reads 188, which he smashed against New Zealand in 2016.

Meanwhile, with his recent ton in the quarter-finals against Haryana in the Ranji Trophy, he has raced to 13,970 runs (Average: 45.35).

Rahane also owns 41 tons and 59 fifties, (HS: 265*).