Ajinkya Rahane Aims for Test Comeback After WTC Final Performance
2 months ago | 5 Views
Ajinkya Rahane has expressed his ongoing desire to return to Test cricket; however, his current priority is to excel for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In his last ten matches, Rahane has demonstrated impressive form, achieving three scores exceeding 90 runs, one score above 80, and a century during the quarterfinals.
"I am performing well at the moment. The Mushtaq Ali tournament went exceptionally well for me. I have accumulated runs in previous matches, and I am pleased with my batting," Rahane stated after Mumbai secured a place in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy by defeating Haryana.
Rahane made an unexpected comeback to India's Test squad after a two-year absence during the recent World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, where he was the team's leading scorer with 89 and 46 runs in a disappointing match for the batting lineup. Following a commendable 135 runs on a difficult pitch, he was appointed vice-captain for the West Indies series but was subsequently dropped after three underwhelming performances.
While acknowledging that selection is beyond his control, Rahane believes he performed admirably in the WTC final and still has much to contribute at the Test level.
"I batted well in the World Test Championship final in 2023 as well. After that, I was dropped. The decision of selection is not mine to make; it lies with the selectors. Nevertheless, I felt I played well in that WTC final."
"Domestic cricket has provided me with everything, and it fuels my passion for the game. I have a deep respect for Test cricket. The future is uncertain, but I still have cricket left in me. As you can see, I am playing with all my heart."
Rahane served as India's vice-captain for several years under Virat Kohli and notably led the team to an unexpected victory in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The 36-year-old last represented India in a Test match in July 2023.
'Right now, we have a Ranji Trophy semifinal to play'
India did not qualify for the World Test Championship final for the first time this year. Consequently, their next Test series is scheduled for June, consisting of a five-match tour in England. When asked about his aspirations for a return to the Indian team for this tour, Rahane responded.
"That is in June. There is still ample time. At present, we have a Ranji Trophy semifinal to contend with. We will return home tomorrow, take a few days off, and then concentrate on the upcoming match," he stated. The captain from Mumbai has accumulated 437 runs at an average of 39.72 in the Ranji Trophy. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he achieved 469 runs at an impressive average of 58.62, boasting a strike rate nearing 165, which included three innings in the 90s.
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