‘Indian Team Needed Me in Australia’: Ajinkya Rahane Reminds Selectors of His Value

Ajinkya Rahane revealed that he was fully ready for the Australia tour and believes selectors should value performance and experience over age.

Ajinkya Rahane, who last played for India during the 2023 West Indies Test series, continues to push his case with strong domestic performances. The 37-year-old scored a composed 159 against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy.

Despite being out of India’s plans for over two years, Rahane remains motivated and insisted that selection should depend on merit and form, not age. He believes his experience and red-ball commitment could still benefit the national side, particularly in tough overseas conditions like Australia. With the Ajit Agarkar-led panel focusing on younger players, Rahane’s message is clear; performance and intent should outweigh age.

“After playing so much cricket, when experienced players like me were dropped, I got a sense that there’s something different. I feel an experienced player like me should get more chances when he makes a comeback. There was no communication. But I still enjoy my game. I can focus on the controllable, which I’m doing right now. Whether they select me or not, that’s their call, but I personally feel that the Indian team needed me in Australia, and I was fully ready for it,” Sportstar quoted Rahane as saying.

“Age is just a number. If a player has the experience and is still playing domestic cricket and giving his best, the selectors should consider him. It’s not about the age, it’s about the intent. It’s about the passion for red-ball cricket and the hard work that you put in the middle. That’s what matters,” he continued.

“In Australia, you see, Michael Hussey made his debut in his late 30s. He still scored runs. So, experience matters in red-ball cricket. And I thought, personally, the Indian team needed me in Australia. Selectors talk about playing domestic cricket. I’ve been playing domestic cricket for the last four to five seasons. Sometimes, it’s not about the runs. It’s about the intent. It’s about the experience (you get) when you play in Australia, England, or South Africa… so, I don’t buy that age factor,” Rahane added.

Rahane on Blocking Out Critics, Focusing on His Game

Ajinkya Rahane also stated that he has rediscovered his rhythm and prefers to stay focused on his game rather than outside criticism. The veteran batter, who stepped down as Mumbai’s captain, continues to play a key mentoring role for younger teammates.

“Something clicked for me. I know how good a player I am, so I don’t like to focus on what’s going on outside. There are many unwanted people who don’t know about the game, but they still talk about a player who has been playing consistently with a good attitude and good intensity,” he said.

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Rahane then credited his family, especially his children, for keeping him motivated and confident through ups and downs.

“I want Mumbai’s players to go and play at the highest level. But some people (still) talk about that. They don’t know the game; they don’t know what it takes for an international cricketer who has played for so many years. I don’t want to name anyone, but I feel my family’s support has been massive. My kids tell me, ‘Daddy, you can do it…’ and when they support you, nothing else matters,” he concluded.