Ajinkya Rahane Reflects on Test Team Omission, Focuses on Domestic Cricket Success
Mumbai Captain’s Stellar Form in Ranji Trophy and SMAT Rekindles Selection Debate
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane continues to make headlines with his stellar performances in domestic cricket, further intensifying discussions around his exclusion from the Indian Test squad. Leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025, Rahane struck a match-winning 108 in the quarter-final against Haryana, steering his side to the semi-finals in emphatic fashion.
The 36-year-old cricketer, who has been a pillar of Mumbai’s red-ball dominance, has also excelled in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 competition, finishing as the highest run-getter of the tournament. However, despite his rich vein of form across formats, Rahane remains cautious in discussing his return to the Indian team, choosing instead to focus on his immediate performances.
“I am not thinking about the future at all,” Rahane stated after Mumbai’s victory at Eden Gardens. “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. I batted nicely in the World Test Championship final in 2023 too. After that, I got dropped. Being selected or not selected is another matter, and the job of the selectors. But I thought I played well in that WTC final.”
His comments come as a reminder of his commendable efforts in the WTC Final 2023 against Australia, where he was India’s top scorer with 89 in the first innings, followed by 46 in the second. However, a lackluster tour of the West Indies, where he managed just 3 and 8 in two innings, resulted in his exclusion from the national setup.
Rahane’s Unwavering Motivation: “I Have a Lot of Cricket Left in Me”
Despite being out of India’s Test squad for months, Rahane’s hunger for runs and commitment to domestic cricket remain unwavering.
“I feel I have a lot of cricket left in me,” Rahane remarked. “That’s why I am playing domestic cricket consistently. I just have one goal right now—to play cricket with a positive mindset, and whatever happens after that, happens.”
His numbers in domestic cricket back his claims. As Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain, he has amassed 437 runs at an average of 39.72 this season. In the SMAT, he was unstoppable, scoring 469 runs at 58.62, with a strike rate nearing 165, including three scores in the 90s.
Rahane’s undying passion for the game is evident in his approach:
“Domestic cricket has given me everything,” he asserted. “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 performances not only highlight his determination to return to the national setup but also reinforce his importance as a seasoned campaigner in Indian domestic cricket.
Potential Captaincy Role at Kolkata Knight Riders? Rahane Keeps Options Open
Following the Ranji Trophy season, Rahane is set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2025 as their senior-most Indian cricketer. With Shreyas Iyer moving to Punjab Kings and KKR lacking an obvious leadership choice, speculation is rife that Rahane could be in contention for the captaincy role.
However, the experienced batter clarified that no official discussion has taken place with the franchise regarding the captaincy.
“They have not chatted about KKR captaincy with me at all. If they’d have spoken, you journalists would’ve known about it and you guys would’ve been the ones informing me,” Rahane said with a smile. “Till then, I’ll not bother checking my phone.”
Nevertheless, he did not rule out the possibility, expressing his readiness to take on leadership responsibilities should the opportunity arise.
“I have had to see a lot of different challenges. 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.”
His past leadership experience with Rajasthan Royals and India in Test cricket makes him a viable candidate for the captaincy role at KKR, but for now, he remains focused on the ongoing domestic season.
“That said, I have not got any news or any call. You guys will have to call and let me know if I am appointed captain. I will wait for that call,” he added with a laugh.
What Lies Ahead for Rahane?
With his exceptional domestic form and experience, Rahane remains a strong contender for national selection, particularly if India seeks a stable middle-order batter in Test cricket. However, given India’s current transition phase, featuring emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan, his return remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, his performances in the Ranji Trophy and SMAT showcase his adaptability across formats, making him a valuable asset in domestic and franchise cricket.
With the IPL 2025 on the horizon, Rahane’s leadership and batting prowess will once again be under the spotlight. If he can carry forward his domestic momentum into the IPL, it may just pave the way for a return to the Indian team.
For now, the veteran batter is doing what he does best—letting his bat do the talking.
