Rahane’s Stellar Domestic Run
Continuing his impressive form in domestic cricket this season, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane struck a match-winning 108 in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Haryana, securing his side’s comfortable entry into the semi-finals. This performance follows his outstanding showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 competition, where he emerged as the highest run-getter. Rahane, 36, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and his recent success underscores his continued passion and skill in the game. Although he has not been selected for the national team since the West Indies tour, where he scored 3 and 8 in his two innings, Rahane remains determined and focused on his cricket.
Rahane on National Selection
When asked about his desire to return to the national team, Rahane maintained a reserved stance, opting to leave selection matters to the selectors. He acknowledged his strong performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June 2023, where he top-scored with 89 in the first innings and followed up with 46 in the second. Despite his impressive showing, he was subsequently dropped from the team. "I am not thinking about the future at all," Rahane said after Mumbai’s victory against Haryana. "But I do know that I am batting well. I had a good performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This Ranji Trophy season is going well too."
Maintaining Motivation and Drive
Rahane emphasized that his motivation remains as strong as ever, and he continues to be hungry for runs. He believes he has a lot of cricket left in him and is committed to playing with a positive mindset. "In all this, I feel I have a lot of cricket left in me," he stated. "That’s why I am playing domestic cricket consistently. I just have one goal right now, and that is to play cricket with a positive mindset, and whatever happens after that, happens." This season, Rahane has scored 437 runs at an average of 39.72 in the Ranji Trophy and 469 runs at an average of 58.62 in the SMAT, including three scores in the 90s.
Domestic Cricket’s Impact on Rahane
Rahane credits domestic cricket for providing him with everything he needs to stay motivated and perform at his best. "Domestic cricket has given me everything," he said. "I still have that jazba (passion) within me. Before any match, I still have that desire and hunger that I possessed earlier. I don’t know about the future, but I do know I am far from done. That’s why I have been giving my 100% in domestic cricket." His consistent performances in domestic cricket have not only bolstered his confidence but also kept him in the spotlight for potential national team selection.
Preparing for IPL 2025
After the Ranji Trophy season concludes, Rahane will join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their senior-most Indian cricketer. With the departure of Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings and the absence of a standout captaincy choice, Rahane remains a viable candidate to lead the team. However, he has not received any formal communication from the KKR management regarding the captaincy. "They have not chatted about KKR captaincy with me at all," Rahane said, adding a humorous note, "If they’d have spoken, you journalists would’ve known about it and you guys would’ve been the ones informing me."
Rahane’s Readiness for New Challenges
Rahane’s experience and leadership skills make him well-prepared for any challenges that come his way. Having captained the Rajasthan Royals in the past, he is confident in his ability to handle any situation. "I have had to see a lot of different challenges," he said. "I have captained before, and I have found myself in a variety of situations over the years. I know how to handle any situation in front of me. That’s why I am always ready for whatever is thrown at me." While he awaits any official communication regarding the KKR captaincy, Rahane remains focused on his cricket and is ready to embrace any role that comes his way.
