Ajinkya Rahane has finally spoken out after being left out of India’s 2024–25 Test squad for the Australia tour. The veteran cricketer, who famously led India to a 2-1 Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21, admitted he felt “hurt” by the decision. Rahane believes the team “needed” him during the 1-3 loss against Australia.
Strong Domestic Comeback
Recently, Rahane hit a determined 159 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, proving he still has the form and focus to compete at the highest level. His last Test appearance was against the West Indies in 2023, after being recalled for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Lack of Communication from Selectors
Despite consistent domestic performances, Rahane revealed there was “no communication” from the selectors regarding his omission from the squad.
“Performance, Not Age, Should Matter”
The 37-year-old said selection should depend on performance rather than age. “If you’re playing domestic cricket and giving your best, selectors should consider you,” he said. Rahane pointed to Michael Hussey’s late debut for Australia as an example and praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for proving that “experience still wins matches.”
Experience Brings Balance
Rahane stressed the need for balance in the Test setup. “You can’t go with all newcomers. Young blood is important, but experience matters more in red-ball cricket,” he noted. He hinted that “outside voices” were influencing opinions about senior players but chose not to name anyone.
Advice for Sarfaraz Khan
Offering guidance to Sarfaraz Khan, who was also overlooked for selection, Rahane said, “Don’t get distracted, just keep scoring runs.” His calm tone reflected the leadership that has defined his cricketing journey.
A Reminder of Value and Experience
Rahane’s comments reflect a player who still believes in his abilities. His words serve as a reminder that experience and intent cannot be replaced by youth alone, especially in the longest and toughest format of the game.
