You know how there are some cricketers who just feel like part of the furniture of the Indian Test team? For a long time, Ajinkya Rahane was one of them. The calm head, the reliable slip fielder, the guy you wanted in the trenches when the going got tough overseas. He was the vice-captain, the man who led India to that unforgettable series win in Australia.
But for a while now, that familiar name has been missing from the team sheet. Out of sight, and seemingly, out of mind for the people who make the decisions. After a period of quiet, Rahane has spoken up, making it clear that he believes his time in the Indian whites isn’t over just yet. It’s not a loud demand, but a firm, hopeful knock on the selectors’ door, asking for one more look-in.
What’s the Latest from Rahane?
Just the other day, while attending the Test match at Lord’s of all places, Rahane had a chat with some commentators. It was all very casual, but what he said spoke volumes. He mentioned that he’s still very passionate about playing Test cricket. It’s not a case of him winding down or looking at other opportunities; his heart is still set on the five-day game.
The most telling part was when he revealed he had tried to get in touch with the selectors to understand where he stands. The response? Silence. Nothing. For a player who has played 85 Tests and led the country with such distinction, that must be a tough pill to swallow. He wasn’t complaining, mind you. That’s not his style. He simply stated it as a fact and said his job is to focus on what he can control: playing cricket and scoring runs.
A Quick Look Back: Why Was He Sidelined?
So, how did we get here? It’s no secret that Rahane went through a rough patch with the bat. Every cricketer does. The runs, which used to flow so reliably, especially in tough overseas conditions, started to dry up. A few low scores here and there, and suddenly the pressure mounted. His average took a dip, and with a host of talented young players knocking on the door, the selectors decided it was time for a change.
His last appearance for India was back in July 2023 against the West Indies. He had made a comeback for the World Test Championship final just before that, where he was one of India’s better batters, scoring a gritty 89 and 46. But the subsequent tour was underwhelming, and that was that. The phone stopped ringing.
Doing the Hard Work: Back to the Grind
Being dropped can go one of two ways. Some players fade away, but others go back to the drawing board. Ajinkya Rahane chose the latter. He went straight back into the domestic circuit, took charge of the Mumbai team in the Ranji Trophy, and got down to business.
In the 2024-25 season, he didn’t just participate; he led from the front. He guided a young Mumbai side to the semi-finals. While his form wasn’t explosive throughout, he played some crucial innings. The highlight was a patient, match-defining century (108) in the quarter-final against Haryana. In total, he gathered 437 runs in the season. It wasn’t a mountain of runs that would make his case undeniable, but it showed he still has the hunger and the ability to perform when his team needs him. It was a statement that he’s not done yet.
But, Is There a Spot for Him?
This is the million-dollar question. The Indian Test team is clearly in a phase of transition. With legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having moved on from the format, the team is building a new core under a new captain, Shubman Gill.
The middle order, where Rahane would slot in, is starting to look crowded with new faces. Players like Shubman Gill himself at number three, the return of Karun Nair, and the inclusion of promising talents like Sai Sudharsan show that the selectors are looking towards the future. They are investing in youth, hoping to build a team for the next five to seven years.
At 37, Ajinkya Rahanedoesn’t exactly fit into that “youth-first” policy. So, for him to make a comeback, he can’t just be as good as the youngsters; he has to be significantly better. He needs a domestic season so heavy with runs that the selectors simply can’t ignore it.
The Experience Factor: More Than Just Runs
While the focus is often on runs, you can’t buy experience at a supermarket. This is where Rahane’s real value lies. Remember that 2020-21 tour of Australia? After a humiliating defeat in the first Test, with the regular captain gone, it was Rahane who pulled the team together. His calm, astute leadership and a magnificent century in Melbourne turned the series on its head, leading to one of India’s greatest ever series wins.
That kind of calm influence in a dressing room, especially one with many young players, is invaluable. He is also one of the safest pair of hands in the slip cordon, a position where India has struggled with consistency. These are the intangibles that don’t always show up on a scorecard but can win you matches.
What’s Next for Ajinkya Rahane?
For now, it’s back to the basics. The new domestic season is on the horizon, and as he said himself, his preparations have already begun. His path back to the Indian team is straightforward, but not easy. He needs to have an exceptional Ranji Trophy season. We’re talking 800-900 runs, with big hundreds.
He has put the ball in the selectors’ court, not with a demand, but with a simple, honest statement of intent. Now, he has to back it up with performance. Whether we will see Ajinkya Rahane in an Indian jersey again is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fighter in him is still very much alive.
