Cricket

'Toh bhai run bhi banao na' - Fans react as Ajinkya Rahane expresses his desire to play 100 Test matches for India

Ajinkya Rahane, the seasoned Indian cricketer, is determined to stage a comeback in the Indian Test squad. The Mumbai batter has set his eyes on playing 100 Test matches for his country.

author-image
Mathew K
New Update
Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane (Source: Twitter)

Ajinkya Rahane, the seasoned Indian cricketer, is determined to stage a comeback in the Indian Test squad. The Mumbai batter has set his eyes on playing 100 Test matches for his country. Currently leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, Rahane is focused on securing both the Ranji Trophy title and achieving the milestone of 100 Test matches.

Having made a comeback for the World Test Championship final last year, Rahane showcased resilience against Australia, contributing scores of 89 and 46 in the first and second innings, respectively. Despite his efforts, India faced challenges from the formidable Australian bowling attack. Rahane, reflecting on his goals, expressed his commitment to taking it one step at a time and performing well for Mumbai.

“My goal is to secure both the Ranji Trophy and the bigger objective of playing in 100 Test matches. I'm focused on performing well for Mumbai and taking each game one step at a  time, says Rahane while speaking with the media.

However, in a recent Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh, Rahane was dismissed for a golden duck. Despite him leading Mumbai to a comfortable 10-wicket win, his performance has not been vocal. With 5077 runs in 85 Tests, Rahane aims to contribute significantly in the ongoing season. While he last scored a hundred in December 2020, his leadership has been instrumental in guiding Mumbai to a strong start to the season.

“It will be helpful for you," says Ajinkya Rahane

Explaining his decision to enforce the follow-on after bowling out Andhra Pradesh for 184, Rahane emphasised the rare opportunity of securing seven points. He believed that seizing such opportunities could prove advantageous in the unpredictable conditions of future matches. Expressing the importance of consistency in winning the Ranji Trophy, Rahane highlighted the need for sustained performance throughout the season.

“The decision was instinctive, as such opportunities are very rare. If you read the situation and sniff the opportunity for seven points, it will be helpful for you in the future, as you don't know how the wicket will be, the conditions will be, or how teams will form in the upcoming matches. You never know what will happen, says Rahane.

"So yesterday, I felt like if the bowlers will push themselves a bit and if we take two three early wickets, then it will become easier for us. It's been a very good start for us this season. The challenge is to be consistent because when you want to win the Ranji Trophy, it is all about being consistent throughout the time, he further added.

In the game, Andhra Pradesh, batting again, posted 244 runs in their second inning. Mumbai effortlessly chased down the 34-run target without losing a wicket and won the game. It’s worth noting that Rahane has been omitted from the upcoming Test series against England. He was not a part of the squad for the first two games. The five-match series will commence on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Here is how fans react to Ajinkya Rahane’s comments:

Ranji Trophy mumbai Ajinkya Rahane Ind vs Eng