Out-of-favour India batter Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday reaffirmed his love for Test cricket and said his hunger to make a comeback to the national team stays intact. The 36-year-old last played a Test for India in July 2023, in the course of the West Indies tour, but his form in domestic cricket has been exceptional across formats this season. “I’m batting well now. Mushtaq Ali went thoroughly. I even have scored runs in earlier matches. I’m blissful with my batting,” Rahane said following Mumbai’s entry into the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy with victory over Haryana here.
Leading Mumbai from the front, Rahane scored an excellent second-innings century to script a surprising comeback, sealing a 152-run win.
Rahane, who was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders within the IPL auction, has been in red-hot form in his last 10 innings, registering three 90-plus scores, one 80-plus knock, and now a century within the quarterfinal.
“Domestic cricket has given me every thing and since of that I still have that zeal. I still have that love for the sport. I respect Test cricket.
“I do not know what is going to occur in the long run. But abhi bhi cricket bacha hai mere mein (there’s still cricket left in me). As you all can see, I’m fiddling with all my heart.” Rahane further said his focus stays on giving his best each time he steps onto the sector.
“I all the time think that I should play cricket with a very good attitude and provides greater than 100 per cent. Whatever happens in the long run, nobody can stop it. My job is to play cricket with a very good attitude. And, whatever happens in the long run will probably be good.
“Should you are usually not hungry, then there’s nothing inside. So, try to be hungry to play. But, immediately, my mind is in domestic cricket.
“Batting, bowling, and performance can all the time go up and down. But for me strength is my attitude. And, I play with this passion. As I said, for me, Test cricket is all the time at the highest.
And, that hunger continues to be alive. The hearth inside me continues to be alive.” The seasoned campaigner added, “But, for me, it’s all about giving my best for Mumbai. As I said, you never know what is going to occur in the long run. Times change. So, it’s all about giving my best, and keep improving day-to-day,” he added.
Rahane credited his team-first mentality for his unwavering passion for the sport.
“I believe my focus has all the time been on the team. I would like to develop this team in the identical way. Everyone’s focus is on the team. There isn’t any one greater than the team,” said Rahane, who led India to an excellent Test series in Australia in 2020-21 in Virat Kohli’s absence.
“I do what’s needed for the team. So long as you might be on the sector, you could have to offer your best. Batting, bowling, and fielding are the things you possibly can control.” India’s next Test project is against England in June, marking the beginning of a brand new World Test Championship cycle. Asked whether he’s eyeing a comeback there, Rahane refused to read much into it.
“That is in June. There’s still numerous time.
“At once, we’ve a Ranji Trophy semifinal to play. We’ll go home tomorrow, take a few days off, after which give attention to the following match,” he said.
With Shreyas Iyer released by KKR and now leading Punjab Kings, the KKR captaincy stays vacant. Each Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer are seen as frontrunners for the role.
But Rahane dismissed any discussions with the franchise regarding the captaincy.
“No such talks have taken place yet. Nobody knows anything as of now.
“When it happens, you will get to know before me. After which, you will call me to congratulate me.” Asked whether he was mentally prepared for the role if given the prospect, Rahane responded with confidence.
“I even have seen every situation. I even have captained before, played in several conditions, and know learn how to handle responsibility.
“So, whatever responsibility is given to me, I’m ready for it. But possibly you all will know before me…” On his captaincy philosophy, he said: “As a captain, you could have to evolve. Understanding every player’s mindset is crucial.
“My job is to bring out the perfect in my teammates, to offer them confidence, so that they can go ahead and play great cricket.
“It’s never about one individual, it’s about how the team performs together. If you should achieve a giant goal, you wish your complete team, not only one player.” The BCCI has mandated that senior players take part in domestic cricket, and Rahane welcomed the move.
“For the last two-three years, BCCI has been insisting that available players must play domestic cricket. This can be a very positive step.
“When experienced players participate, it helps the younger guys learn. All of us got here through domestic cricket, and playing here gives us invaluable game time.
“BCCI has made an amazing decision, and I consider this rule helps Indian cricket grow.”
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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