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Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane expressed his disappointment over being snubbed from India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia last year after smashing a 159-run knock for Mumbai in their 2nd round Ranji Trophy clash against Chhattisgarh on Sunday. On a rain-affected day, Rahane let his bat do the talking to help Mumbai post 406/8 on the board in their first innings on Day 2.
Rahane, who completed his ton on the opening day of the match in Mumbai, continued from where he had left off on Day 2 to notch up his 150. Speaking to the reporters after the game, Rahane lamented his non-selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and said he felt the Indian team needed his experience in the Test series Down Under.
“It’s not about the age. It’s about the intent. It’s about the passion for the red ball and the hard work you put in the middle. So I don’t believe in that completely,” Rahane was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
The senior Indian batter cited the example of former Australian batter Michael Hussey, who started his Test career at the age of 30. “In Australia, you see, Michael Hussey made his debut 30s. Still, he made runs. Experience matters in red ball cricket. I thought, personally, the Indian team needed me in Australia,” he added.
Rahane notched up his 42nd first-class century against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy to continue his fine form for Mumbai. The senior batter, who led India to a memorable 2-1 triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 in Australia, last played for India in a Test match against West Indies at Port of Spain in July 2023.
He played in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in 2023 and did well with scores of 89 and 46. However, Rahane was dropped from the Test squad after getting a solitary Test thereafter. Rahane said performance should not be the sole criterion as he urged the selectors to also consider a senior player's passion for a particular format into account while making selection decisions.
"After 34-35 players are old. Players are always looking to do well. Players are always looking to give their best. And if someone is really passionate about playing red ball cricket. I think selectors should look into it. Because they come and watch the game. Every time it’s not about the performance. It’s about the intent and the passion and how you play with the red ball," said Rahane.
Rahane also lashed out at the Ajit Agarkar-led senior national selection panel, alleging that there was no communication from the selectors after he was snubbed from India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia last year. The 37-year-old, who continues to be a domestic regular for Mumbai, said he was ready for a Test recall.
"I thought an experienced player like me should get more chances. And there was no communication. I can focus on only the controllable things which I am doing right now. But as I said, the Indian team needed me in Australia and I was fully ready for it," said the senior batter.
Rahane has been in great form for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 with 186 runs in three innings and will be hoping to continue his purple patch for the side in the remainder of the tournament.
