WATCH: Ajinkya Rahane Confirms his intentions to return for India

The young and new generation of Indian cricket has started to put their feet in the ongoing five-match Test series in England. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, the mixed batting line-up of youth and experienced players has taken the responsibility beautifully in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have retired from the longest format, but Ajinkya Rahane, another former captain, has desired to be back in the format.

Rahane’s last Test match for India came in 2023 during the second Test match against the West Indies at the Port of Spain. After being away from the five-day format, the right-handed batter also made his return during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against Australia at Kennington Oval in South London. Rahane was present in the recent Sky Sports interview.

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“Not at all thinking of giving up on playing Test cricket for India. First of all, happy to be here. I still want to play Test cricket, and I am passionate about playing this format. I am here for a few days, and I have carried my trainers and training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so the preparation has just begun.” Rahane informed during the interview.

Watch: Ajinkya Rahane intends to return for India in Test cricket

The former England captain, Michael Atherton, jokingly said that he had almost introduced Rahane as the former batter for the Blue Brigade. The 37-year-old has currently smashed 5077 runs in 144 innings at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of just under 50, thanks to 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore.

In the first-class cricket, Jinx, renowned in that name, has clubbed 14000 runs in 201 games at an average of 45.16, scoring 41 centuries and 59 half-centuries, contributing immensely to Mumbai. He was also in great touch with the bat for the Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL 2025 to smash 390 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 147.72, thanks to three fifties.

India has struggled with the number three batter in England. Rahane doesn’t often bat at this position, but if he can have a fine Ranji Trophy 2025-26, at least the veteran could make a comeback in the squad.