Rahane Still Determined to Rejoin Test Cricket

Despite a nearly two-year absence from Test cricket and a lack of communication from selectors, veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane has affirmed his strong desire to return to the format.

Speaking on Sky Sports during an interview with Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, Rahane underscored his continued passion for red-ball cricket.

“I am still aiming to participate in Test cricket,” Rahane stated.

“My enthusiasm for it remains high, and I am currently enjoying my game. Although my stay in London is brief, I have brought my training gear to maintain my fitness. The domestic season is approaching, and preparations are underway,” he added.

When questioned regarding the difficulties of making a comeback—especially with the team management favoring younger players following the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—the 37-year-old remained composed. He emphasised his focus on aspects within his control.

With Shubman Gill now filling Kohli’s No. 4 position and Rishabh Pant positioned at No. 5 as vice-captain, it appears that KL Rahul is the sole remaining member of the previous core group in the selectors’ plans.

Regardless, the top-order batsman remains optimistic and dedicated to domestic cricket as a possible avenue back into the Test team.

Since losing his spot in the Indian Test squad, he has captained Mumbai in two consecutive Ranji Trophy seasons, leading them to their 42nd title in 2023–24 and a runners-up position in 2024–25. He also participated in Mumbai’s victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign.

In the 2024–25 Ranji season, the right-handed batsman amassed 467 runs in 14 innings, averaging 35.92, which included one century and a fifty.

He also emerged as the highest scorer for Kolkata Knight Riders in an underwhelming IPL 2025 season, accumulating 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27, as the team concluded in eighth place out of ten.

“For me, the key is to concentrate on what I can influence,” he noted.

“Frankly, I attempted to contact the selectors, but I received no reply. As a player, my only recourse is to continue playing, to keep enjoying the sport, and to consistently give my best effort. My love for Test cricket and red-ball cricket is immense—it’s a true passion. This affection for the game keeps me motivated,” he concluded.