Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane scored his 42nd first-class hundred on day two of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash for Mumbai against Chhattisgarh in Elite Group D before getting dismissed on 159 runs in 303
balls with 21 fours to his name. After the close of play on a rain-affected day at the BKC Ground in Mumbai, the 37-year-old called out the Indian team management for overlooking him for last year’s tour to Australia, a five-match Test series which they ended up losing 3-1, which meant that the hosts reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
During the elongated interview, as reported by Indian Express, Ajinkya Rahane began by dismissing the factor of age in regards to not getting picked in the Indian Test team for the tour down under last year while giving the example of how Mike Hussey made his debut for Australia in his 30s and still have a great Test career. He was quoted as saying, “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.”
After pointing out how he personally thought that the Indian cricket team needed him in Australia, he talked about the age factor once again in regards to selection in international cricket. Ajinkya Rahane remarked, “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.”
The Indian team needed me in Australia and I was fully ready for it: Ajinkya Rahane
Following that, the right-handed middle order batter also lamented the Indian selection committee for not talking to him about the reason for dropping him from the Test team. He opined, “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.”
Ajinkya Rahane also name-dropped his teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in relation to their selection in the ODI team for the recently concluded series in Australia. The veteran had this to say, “When you have guys like Rohit and Virat, who have won so many matches for India especially in white ball cricket, you need that experience in the team. You cannot go with all newcomers, or the young ones in the team. Young blood is important, but if you have experience, the team will do well. It is especially the case in red ball cricket. I was really happy to see Rohit getting that 100.”
