Though his last Test was in 2023 and his last white-ball game in 2018, Ajinkya Rahane remains determined to make a Test comeback, even carrying his training gear to stay match-ready.
Ajinkya Rahane Shuts Down Retirement Talk, Eyes Test Comeback
Ajinkya Rahane may not have featured in India’s Test side since 2023, or played white-ball cricket since 2018, but the seasoned campaigner hasn’t given up on his dream of making a comeback. So long has Rahane been away from the international spotlight that former England captain Mike Atherton nearly referred to him as “a former India cricketer” — a slip he humorously acknowledged live on air.
The moment unfolded during a Sky Sports broadcast as Atherton and Nasser Hussain interviewed Rahane on the sidelines of the Lord’s Test between India and England.
“We’re delighted to have been joined by Ajinkya Rahane, who’s played 85 Tests for India, scored more than 5,000 Test runs, 12 Test hundreds, and captained India in six games, winning four of them — so an exceptional record. I nearly said former India batter, but that would be quite wrong. You’re 37 years of age, but you haven’t given up hopes of playing Test cricket again,” Atherton said with a smile.
Rahane, composed and focused, reaffirmed his ambition. “Not at all. First of all, it’s good to be here. I still want to play Test cricket. I’m passionate about it. Right now, I’m enjoying my cricket. I’m just here for a few days, but I brought my trainers and training gear so I can stay fit and prepare for the domestic season,” he said.
Rahane’s calm resolve and continued dedication highlight the veteran’s determination to wear the Indian whites again.
"I still want to play Test cricket!" 👀
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025
Ajinkya Rahane joins Athers & Nas at Lord's… and the 37-year-old still has a desire to play in white for India 💙 pic.twitter.com/gZGZr32chl
Since making his Test debut against Australia on March 22, 2013 (Test cap no. 278), Rahane has played 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46. His career includes 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with a highest score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore in October 2016.
Renowned for his calm under pressure, Rahane has delivered consistently at home and overseas. With 579 fours and 35 sixes to his name, his strike rate of 49.5 reflects a steady, methodical approach to scoring. His away average — slightly above 40 — is marked by some of his finest knocks, including centuries in tough conditions: at Lord’s in 2014, the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 2020, and in testing tours of New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Despite the long break from international cricket, Rahane’s hunger remains intact — and his domestic season may well shape the path to one last India comeback.
Ajinkya Rahane: The Silent Leader with a Proven Track Record
Ajinkya Rahane has led both India and Mumbai with distinction, earning a reputation for his calm and strategic leadership. As captain of the Indian Test team, Rahane suffered only one defeat, highlighting his composed and tactical approach. His most memorable triumph came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took charge after Virat Kohli returned home following the first Test. Despite a crushing loss in Adelaide, Rahane inspired a remarkable turnaround, guiding India to a historic series win.
His leadership success extended to domestic cricket as well, where he captained Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy title in the 2023–24 season. In the IPL, Rahane remains a key figure and continues to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders with authority.
Known for his quiet demeanour and humility, Rahane lets his performances do the talking. A prime example is his gritty, unbeaten century at Lord’s in 2014, which earned widespread praise for its poise under pressure and reaffirmed his ability to deliver abroad when it matters most.