Will Ajinkya Rahane’s Ranji Trophy form earn him a test comeback?

Ajinkya Rahane, known for his impeccable timing and a diverse range of shots, has been on a roll in domestic cricket since being dropped from India's Test team in 2023. In the recent Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, he led Mumbai to a 152-run victory over Haryana, scoring his 41st first-class century.  

The right-handed batter scored an impressive 108 runs to help Mumbai win in the crucial match. 

Rahane's last appearance for India was during the Port-of-Spain Test against the West Indies in July 2023, where he had previously shown promise with scores of 89 and 46 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Reflecting on his exclusion, Rahane stated, “I did well in the last three years. When I came to the WTC final, I did very well there. And after that, I was out of the team.”

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Despite his disappointment, he understands that selection is in the hands of the selectors. “But again, for me, it’s about being in the moment and looking to keep improving my game... Keep growing as a cricketer and then give my best all the time,” he added.

In addition to his Ranji success, Rahane has excelled in the T20 format, finishing as the top run-scorer in this season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 469 runs. With 85 Test, 90 ODI, and 20 T20I appearances under his belt, Rahane’s recent performances could be a significant factor in reviving his Test career and re-establishing his place in the national squad.