Ajinkya Rahane, the calm leader behind India’s famous 2020–21 win in Australia, still dreams of a Test comeback. His last appearance was in 2023
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has long been the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup, especially in overseas conditions. Known for his calm temperament, compact technique, and clutch performances, Ajinkya Rahane has time and again stepped up when India needed him most. From winning Tests abroad to leading India to historic victories, his contribution is deeply respected.
Quick Facts About Ajinkya Rahane
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane |
| Born | June 6, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Ashwi KD, Maharashtra, India |
| Role | Top-order Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Teams Represented | India, Mumbai, Rajasthan Royals, CSK |
| International Debut | 2011 (T20I), 2011 (ODI), 2013 (Test) |
| Test Captaincy | Led India to series win in Australia 2020–21 |
Early Life and Domestic Cricket Journey
Ajinkya Rahane began his cricket journey in Mumbai’s domestic setup, one of the most competitive in India. He made his mark early by scoring heavily in Ranji Trophy. His ability to grind innings and perform under pressure earned him the nickname “Mr. Dependable.”
Over time, he became a consistent performer for Mumbai and was eventually called up to the Indian team in 2011. He had to wait for his Test debut, which finally came in 2013 against Australia.
International Career Overview
Test Career
Ajinkya Rahane is widely celebrated for his success in red-ball cricket. His ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions—like Australia, South Africa, and England—sets him apart. His century at Lord’s in 2014 and his match-winning knock at Melbourne in 2020 are part of Indian cricket folklore.
Rahane also captained India in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar series, where India staged a historic comeback and won the series 2–1 despite multiple injuries and setbacks.
ODI and T20I Career
Although Rahane began his international career in limited-overs cricket, he couldn’t cement a long-term place in India’s white-ball squads. However, he played crucial innings in several ODI series, especially during India’s transition phase after 2013.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Best Score | Average | 100s/50s |
| Test | 85+ | 5000+ | 188 | ~38 | 12/26 |
| ODI | 90+ | 2962 | 111 | ~35 | 3/24 |
| T20I | 20 | 375 | 61 | ~20 | 0/1 |
Note: Stats are approximate and may update with current matches.
IPL and Domestic Cricket Highlights
Rahane has played for multiple franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and most recently, Chennai Super Kings.
In IPL 2023, Rahane stunned critics with his aggressive strike rate and explosive batting in the middle order for CSK. His resurgence under MS Dhoni’s leadership was one of the highlights of the season.
Leadership and Mentorship
Rahane is often admired for his calm captaincy style. He led India in the absence of Virat Kohli and delivered one of the most iconic Test series wins in modern history. His ability to stay composed and trust young players has earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
Injuries and Comebacks
Despite injuries and dips in form, Rahane has always fought his way back. His return to the Test squad in 2023 for the WTC Final highlighted his resilience and importance as a middle-order stabilizer.
Personal Life and Off-field Presence
Off the field, Rahane is known for his humble personality, disciplined lifestyle, and love for karate (he holds a black belt). He maintains a low profile on social media but continues to be a role model for aspiring cricketers across India.
Achievements and Legacy
- Led India to a historic Test series win in Australia (2020–21)
- Scored centuries in all SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries
- Vice-captain in several key Test series
- IPL 2023 comeback performance with CSK
- Known as one of India’s most technically sound Test batters
Why Ajinkya Rahane Still Matters
In a world of flashy cricketers and aggressive stroke-play, Rahane remains a classic. His temperament, technique, and ability to deliver when the team is in trouble make him irreplaceable in key moments. He may not be in the limelight always, but his impact is lasting.
Latest Updates on Ajinkya Rahane
Stay updated with Ajinkya Rahane’s latest match performances, captaincy news, injury reports, and domestic exploits here on The Cricket Scores. Whether it’s IPL action or red-ball dominance, everything you need is under this tag.