Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane expressed his love for Test cricket and his desire for a national comeback after scripting Mumbai’s win over Haryana in the Ranji Trophy semifinals with a stunning century.
Rahane, whose last Test appearance was in July 2023, has been in red-hot form in domestic cricket across formats this season.
"There's still cricket left in me," Rahane said after Mumbai's 152-run victory in the Ranji quarterfinals. "Domestic cricket has given me everything, and my passion for the game remains strong. I respect Test cricket and will always give my best."
Rahane’s performances this season have been exceptional, to say the least. In his last 10 innings, he has recorded three 90-plus scores, an 80-plus knock, and now a century in the quarterfinals.
Rahane’s form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and his leadership in the Ranji Trophy have kept his India comeback hopes alive.
"I always play with a positive attitude and give more than 100 percent. Whatever happens in the future, no one can stop it," he said.
With India's next Test assignment against England in June, Rahane refrained from commenting on a potential comeback. "That’s still a long time away. Right now, my focus is on the Ranji Trophy semifinals."
Despite being ignored in India's Test squad, Rahane is in high spirits. "If you are not hungry, then there is nothing inside. The fire inside me is still alive."
With Shreyas Iyer released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, the captaincy role for Kolkata Knight Riders remains vacant. While Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer are seen as frontrunners, the veteran batter refused to comment on it.
"No such talks have taken place yet. If it happens, you’ll probably know before me!" he said with a smile.
However, Rahane stated that he is prepared for leadership roles if the opportunity comes his way. "I have captained before, played in different conditions, and handled responsibility. As a leader, my goal is to bring out the best in my teammates and help them perform as a unit."
Rahane backed the BCCI’s diktat to make domestic cricket mandatory for the centrally contracted Indian players when not on national duty.
"We all came through domestic cricket, and playing here gives us valuable game time. The BCCI has made a great decision, and I believe this rule is helping Indian cricket grow."
For now, he remains focused on Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign while also keeping his dream of a Test comeback alive. "Times change. You never know what the future holds. But I will always give my best."
