When India played England in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane was at Lord’s. With Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease, India was gradually cutting the deficit in their first innings, taking it down to less than 100 runs after lunch on Day 3.
Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t played in the limited-overs lineup for almost ten years, having last played for India in Test cricket in 2023. The veteran hitter reiterated his desire to return to the game’s longest format in spite of the absence.
Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged he still has aspirations of wearing the Indian whites again while watching the game.
Being here is pleasant. I’m still interested in playing Test cricket. I currently enjoy playing cricket, and I have a strong passion for playing Test cricket. I’m only here for a few days, but I brought my workout gear so I can stay in shape. In an interview with Sky Sports Cricket, Ajinkya Rahane stated, “Preparation has just begun as our domestic season is about to begin.”
“I would adore returning to the Indian setup. The fire, the hunger, and the yearning remain. I’m right up there in terms of fitness. “I just want to focus on this IPL right now, one game at a time, and then let’s see what happens in the future,” he continued.
“I still want to play Test cricket!” 👀
Ajinkya Rahane joins Athers & Nas at Lord’s… and the 37-year-old still has a desire to play in white for India 💙 pic.twitter.com/gZGZr32chl
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025
During the 2020–21 tour of Australia, the 37-year-old’s most remarkable accomplishment was leading an injured Indian team to a historic and emotionally heated 2-1 Test series victory. Rahane, however, progressively lost his spot in the starting lineup in the ensuing years as a new generation of young players established themselves and solidified their positions in the team.
“I’m the kind of man that never gives up. On the pitch, I always strive to give it my all; I give it my all. It always comes down to concentrating on things that are under your control. The seasoned batsman continued, “I have been playing domestic cricket as well, and I am really enjoying my cricket right now.”
The Ashwi-KD-born player has only participated in local competitions like the IPL and Ranji Trophy since 2023, when he last played for India in a Test match against the West Indies. He is a vital member of the limited-overs team and captains Mumbai in First-Class cricket.
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