Ajinkya Rahane is making his case for a return to the Indian Test side, questioning the selectors’ approach and highlighting a perceived lack of communication. The experienced middle-order batsman, who recently notched a century in the Ranji Trophy, feels that his ongoing commitment to red-ball cricket and his valuable experience are being overlooked. Rahane specifically suggested that his inclusion might have made a difference in India’s recent 1-3 series loss in Australia.
“If you have the experience, if you are still playing domestic cricket, if you are still giving your best, I think selectors should consider (for selection),” Rahane stated, challenging the notion that age is a definitive factor in selection. He stressed the importance of passion and dedication to Test cricket above all else. “It’s about the intent. It’s about the passion for the red-ball (cricket) and it’s about the hard work which you put in the middle — that’s what matters to me.”
Recalling the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Rahane shared his candid opinion. “I thought personally the Indian team needed me in Australia,” he revealed, drawing parallels with players like Michael Hussey who achieved success later in their careers. “Experience matters in red-ball cricket.”
The most significant grievance for Rahane appears to be the absence of direct communication from the selectors. “An experienced player like me when I got dropped, I got a sense that there is something different,” he commented. “I thought an experienced player like me should get more chances when you make a comeback. But there was no communication.”
Rahane confirmed he has been diligently adhering to the selectors’ advice to play domestic cricket consistently. “I’ve been playing domestic cricket for the last 4-5 seasons,” he noted. He believes that selectors should place greater emphasis on a player’s commitment, passion, and the invaluable experience gained from playing in challenging overseas conditions, rather than focusing solely on age.