Ajinkya Rahane Still Eyes India Test Return, Says 'I Love Playing With The Red Ball'

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has reaffirmed his desire to don the whites for India again, declaring his passion for Test cricket is undiminished despite being out of the national setup for over a year.

Speaking during the lunch break of the Lord’s Test on Sky Sports' broadcast, Rahane said he is still motivated to represent India in the longest format.

“I still want to play Test cricket, I am really passionate about playing Test cricket,” said Rahane. “At this moment, I'm enjoying my cricket. Just here for a few days, I carried my trainers, my training clothes, so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so the preparation has just begun."

The 37-year-old, who last played a Test match against West Indies at Port of Spain in July 2023 — a tour where he also served as vice-captain — has been a central figure in Mumbai’s domestic success. He led the side to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023/24 season, reinforcing his status as a senior statesman in Indian cricket.

In 85 Tests for India, Rahane has scored 5077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. Despite his numbers and leadership experience, Rahane revealed that his attempts to reach out to the selectors have not yielded a response.

“For me it is about focusing on the controllables,” he said. “Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors but I got no response. What I can do is keep playing. I love Test cricket. I love playing with the red ball. It is a passion.”

Rahane, who captained India in six Tests and won four — most memorably the famous 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia in 2020/21 — also reflected on his leadership philosophy.

"Every captain must have their own style,” Rahane said. “When I became the Test captain I always wanted to back my style and thinking and instinct. For me it was about staying true to my character, backing my instincts."