Still want to play Test cricket, but no response from selectors: Ajinkya Rahane's passionate plea
The 37-year-old, who was a part of India's defeat in the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia, has been out of favour since the tour of the West Indies in 2023. After the conclusion of the series, Rahane was dropped from the fold and continued to put in the hard yards in the domestic setup to force his way into the side yet again.
Rahane is present at the 'Home of Cricket', Lord's, for India's third Test against England. After both teams took lunch on the third day, Rahane, known for his robust technique, made an honest admission and declared his yearning to still play Test cricket for India.
'I still want to play Test cricket, I am passionate about Test cricket. For me, it is about focusing on the controllable. 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 told Sky Sports.
After batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Tests, there was a bleak opportunity for Rahane's return. Despite his valuable experience of playing in England, the Indian selectors entrusted their faith in youngsters and infused young blood into the squad.
Rahane, who is among the selected Indians to celebrate a century at Lord's, has had a fair share of memorable moments in the whites. During India's tour of Australia for the 2020-20 21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahane took over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, who left the tour due to the birth of his child.
With Rahane at the helm, India notched mercurial wins in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne and the decisive Gabba Test to script a fairy-tale series. He finished as India's third-highest run-getter with 268 runs, including a century in the Boxing Day Test in front of a jam-packed crowd at the MCG.
Rahane outlined the difference in his captaincy style from Virat's and said, 'Every captain must have their own style. When I became the Test captain, I always wanted to back my style, thinking, and instinct. For me, it was about staying true to my character, backing my instincts.'
Since making his debut in 2013, Rahane has earned 85 Test caps, garnered 5077 runs at 38.46, laced with 12 centuries and 16 fifties. The 37-year-old captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy last season, finishing with 467 runs in nine appearances at 35.92, including a solitary ton and a fifty. He steered Mumbai to the semi-finals but failed to reclaim the title after a heartbreaking defeat against Vidarbha. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Derrick Rose teams up with Magnus Carlsen to host NBA–chess crossover event at Las Vegas
Derrick Rose is now a chess player (Image via Instagram / @drose) Derrick Rose hasn't let retirement slow him down in the least. The legendary Chicago Bulls player has been collaborating with different brands and giving his all to unanticipated endeavors like chess. He recently appeared at a chess tournament. The NBA icon organized the tournament for NBA players and professional chess players in collaboration with renowned chess grandmaster, Magnus Carlsen . Derrick Rose embraces chess after NBA, hosts Vegas tournament with top players Derrick Rose, an NBA superstar and probable Hall of Famer , played his first eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He was the youngest player in NBA history to earn NBA MVP in his third season in the league, at the age of 22. He has now pursued new opportunities since retiring from basketball. These days, D-Rose has embraced chess as an escape from the mundane. He is not simply playing the game for fun; he is really into it. He is fully committed, putting his all into organizing his own chess tournament. He recently joined the five-time world chess champion at a chess festival, as his followers eagerly await what he has in store. The Chicago Bulls recently shared some amazing pictures of Derrick Rose and Magnus Carlsen playing chess in Las Vegas. They were playing against NBA player Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Indian player Vidit Santosh Gujrathi. The caption of the Instagram post read: 'Find D-Rose at the chessboard.. @drose & @MagnusCarlsen hosted NBA hoopers & world-class chess player at Chesstival here in Vegas!' Derrick Rose retired from Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty Images) When the NBA legend made his rare public appearance, he appeared to be a jack of all trades. However, only a few people had predicted that he would assist in hosting a major chess event. Meanwhile, the NBA icon was always fond of chess. As per Essentially Sports, Derrick Rose once said: 'Chess taught me patience, vision, and how to stay calm under pressure. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo by Taboola by Taboola I want kids who grow up like I did to have access to that.' His love for chess shows his growth beyond basketball, inspiring youth to learn patience, focus, and critical thinking. Even in retirement, the NBA legend continues to inspire. Whether it's basketball or chess, he proves that greatness can take many forms. Also read: 'There's no bad blood'- Derrick Rose breaks silence on Tom Thibodeau's exist from New York Knicks For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Vaishali, Harika break the rapid tie to join Humpy, Divya in last 16 of Chess World Cup
Nagpur: D Harika and Vaishali Rameshbabu dominated the 10-minute time control of the rapid format to reach the fourth round of the top 16 players in the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup at Batumi, Georgia, on Monday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After playing a series of four draws, both Harika and Vaishali registered victories in similar fashion in the third-round tie-breaks. They joined India No.1 Koneru Humpy and reigning world junior champion Divya Deshmukh, as four Indian masters made the cut to the last 16. Vantika Agrawal, however, suffered a heartbreak defeat against higher-ranked Ukrainian GM Kateryna Lagno. While world women No.12 Harika outplayed Greek IM Stavroula Tsolakidou, 15th-ranked Vaishali recorded a thumping win over American IM Carissa Yip. Both Harika and Vaishali won their respective third rounds 4-2 after they drew their classical games with the white and black pieces. Both the Indian Grandmasters started their tie-break rounds on Monday with a draw each in the two games of 15-minute time control. The 10-minute time control of the rapid format was enough for India No.2 and 3 to confirm their last 16 berths. The 2483 Elo Harika opted for the English Opening to take the lead by winning the marathon 60-move contest with her white pieces. She drubbed Stavroula in just 29 moves while defending with the black pieces in the second game. In contrast, the 2481 Elo Vaishali utilised her opening advantage with the white pieces well to become a piece up with an extra knight, outplaying American IM Carissa in just 27 moves for the decisive advantage. Following up her facile win, Vaishali not only defended well with the black pieces but also capitalised on Carissa's 31st move blunder to garner full points by winning the contest in 37 moves.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Sania Mirza spotted at airport in stylish look, shares heartwarming hand-in-hand moment with son Izhaan Mirza Malik
Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik divorced in January 2024 after 14 years of marriage. Sania lives in Dubai with their son Izhaan, focusing on her career and motherhood. Shoaib maintains a close bond with Izhaan, visiting twice a month and bonding through sports and daily video calls. Sania Mirza , a famous Indian tennis player, is currently enjoying a peaceful and rewarding phase of her life, skillfully managing both her career and motherhood. Since her separation from Shoaib Malik , the Pakistani cricketer and her former husband, last year, she has been residing in Dubai with their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik. A Touching Mom-Son Moment Today, Sania was seen at the airport sharing a touching moment with her son as they walked hand in hand. The simple yet beautiful gesture captured the warmth and love between the mother and child, making it a truly heartwarming sight for onlookers. Mirza made a stylish appearance at the airport, wearing brown loose pants paired with a blue tee and black shades. She greeted the paparazzi with a warm smile and thanked them before getting into her car. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ETimes (@etimes) Background: Sania and Shoaib's Journey For the unversed, Sania Mirza married Shoaib Malik in 2010 and became parents to their son in 2018. The couple decided to part ways in January 2024. Since then, Shoaib has remarried Pakistani actress Sana Javed, while Sania remains focused on motherhood and continues to inspire as a prominent public figure. Shoaib Malik's relation with Izhaan On a recent Pakistani Ramzan television show, Shoaib Malik opened up about his parenting style, highlighting that his bond with his son Izhaan resembles a close friendship rather than a conventional father-son relationship. 'Uske saath jo relationship hai woh ek dosti wala hai. He calls me bro, and sometimes I also call him bro. I make sure to visit him twice a month in Dubai, and while I'm there, I personally drop him to school and pick him up,' Shoaib revealed. The cricketer also shared that he remains deeply engaged in his son Izhaan's life, with sports serving as a central activity that helps them connect and strengthen their relationship. 'Mera uske saath bahaut acha bond hai. Everyday we connect on a video call and discuss everything,' he added.
