Rahane’s Redemption Quest: Can the Test Veteran Stage a Comeback at 37?

Ajinkya Rahane’s name evokes memories of gritty centuries in Melbourne, Lord’s, and Cape Town—moments that cemented his reputation as India’s dependable Test match warrior. At 37, the soft-spoken Mumbaikar finds himself on the fringes of the national team, last donning India’s whites in 2023. Yet, his hunger for Test cricket burns as fiercely as ever. “I still want to play Test cricket for India,” Rahane declared during an emotional appearance at Lord’s in July 2025, a venue where he once scored a defining 103. With a resurgent domestic record, a new IPL leadership role, and an unwavering belief in his abilities, Rahane is on a redemption quest. But can the veteran batsman defy age, selectors’ silence, and a crowded talent pool to stage a comeback? This article explores Rahane’s journey, his current form, and the challenges standing between him and a return to India’s Test XI.

A Legacy of Resilience

Rahane’s Test career, spanning 85 matches and 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, is a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure. His eight overseas centuries, including a match-defining 112 in Melbourne during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcase his knack for delivering when the chips are down. As former India vice-captain, Rahane led the team to a historic series win in Australia, stepping up after Virat Kohli’s departure. His unassuming leadership and ability to anchor innings at 20/3 abroad earned him admiration, with fans and analysts noting his preference for challenging conditions over cushy home tracks.

However, Rahane’s fortunes dipped post-2021. Inconsistent form, particularly in home series, saw him score just 411 runs in 11 Tests in 2022 at an average of 20.55. Dropped after the West Indies tour in 2023, Rahane has since been overlooked by selectors, who have favored younger talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. Despite a brief resurgence in the 2023 World Test Championship final, where he top-scored with 89 and 46, Rahane’s Test recall has remained elusive. “I got no response from the selectors,” he revealed in 2025, highlighting a frustrating lack of communication. Yet, his resolve remains unshaken, fueled by a belief that he has “more to give.”

Domestic Dominance and IPL Leadership

Rahane’s redemption quest is rooted in domestic cricket, where he has rediscovered his form. Leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, he has been a standout performer. In the 2022-23 season, he smashed 204 against Hyderabad and followed it with a century against Assam in 2024, signaling his intent. As of February 2025, Rahane was preparing to guide Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji season, viewing it as a platform to “control the controllables” and make a case for his return. His domestic record—over 12,000 runs in first-class cricket at an average close to 45—underscores his consistency and hunger.

In the IPL, Rahane’s 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has added another dimension to his comeback narrative. Appointed captain after Shreyas Iyer’s departure, Rahane led KKR to a strong start, scoring a brisk 85 off 52 balls in a crucial chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His leadership, blending calm authority with tactical acumen, has drawn praise, with KKR coach Gautam Gambhir lauding his ability to “inspire without shouting.” This IPL stint has not only boosted his confidence but also kept him in the public eye, amplifying calls for his Test recall on platforms like X.

The Fire Within

Rahane’s determination is palpable. During India’s 2025 England tour, he carried his training gear to Lord’s, ready to stay match-fit despite being a spectator. “There is still fire and passion in me,” he told Express Sports in February 2025. His love for Test cricket stems from its mental and technical demands, particularly in overseas conditions where he thrives. Rahane’s preference for batting in tough situations—evidenced by his eight centuries abroad versus four at home—sets him apart in an era dominated by aggressive, high-scoring batsmen.

His preparation is meticulous. Rahane trains with the same intensity as his early days, focusing on fitness to counter the physical demands of Test cricket at 37. He has also worked on evolving his game, incorporating a slightly more attacking approach, as seen in his IPL performances. “The goal is clear: to make another comeback to Team India,” he said, emphasizing his belief in a second wind, much like Cheteshwar Pujara’s recall in 2022 after a prolific domestic season.

The Roadblocks

Despite his credentials, Rahane faces formidable challenges. India’s Test middle order is crowded, with Gill, Jaiswal, and Iyer cementing their spots, while KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan vie for opportunities. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have prioritized youth, with players like Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal knocking on the door. At 37, Rahane’s age is a sticking point, as the team management looks to build a squad for the 2027 World Test Championship cycle.

The lack of dialogue from selectors adds another layer of complexity. Rahane’s candid admission of receiving “no response” suggests a disconnect, raising questions about transparency in selection processes. Moreover, India’s packed Test schedule—10 matches in 2025-26, including tours to Australia and New Zealand—demands players who can adapt quickly, putting pressure on Rahane to prove his relevance against younger, more dynamic batsmen.

His Test average, while respectable, lags behind modern expectations for middle-order batsmen, especially in home conditions where India plays 60% of its Tests. Critics argue that his conservative approach, with a strike rate of 49.50, may not align with India’s aggressive template under Rohit Sharma. Yet, supporters counter that Rahane’s experience and overseas prowess make him a valuable asset for tough tours, particularly in Australia, where his leadership and batting were pivotal in 2020-21.

The Case for Rahane

Rahane’s advocates point to his overseas record as a compelling argument for his recall. His centuries in England (2014), Australia (2020), and South Africa (2013) demonstrate his ability to counter swing, seam, and bounce—conditions India will face in upcoming series. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of their careers, Rahane’s experience could provide stability, especially in crises like 36/9 in Adelaide or 97/7 at Lord’s, where he has historically excelled.

His leadership credentials also bolster his case. As Mumbai’s captain, Rahane has nurtured talents like Prithvi Shaw and Yashasvi Jaiswal, earning respect for his mentorship. His successful stint with KKR further showcases his ability to lead under pressure, a quality India may need in transitional phases. Posts on X reflect strong fan support, with users like @VAAChandran noting, “He’d rather play well at 20/3 overseas than at home 350/3,” capturing Rahane’s unique value.

The Verdict

Can Ajinkya Rahane stage a comeback at 37? The odds are stacked against him, but his track record suggests he’s no stranger to defying expectations. A prolific Ranji Trophy season, coupled with continued IPL success, could force selectors to reconsider, especially for overseas tours where his experience is unmatched. However, he must contend with a youth-centric selection policy and a competitive middle order. Rahane’s redemption quest hinges on translating his domestic form into undeniable performances and seizing any opportunity, such as injuries or dips in form among current players.

For now, Rahane remains a symbol of resilience, carrying his kit bag and his dreams to every cricket ground he visits. Whether he graces the Test arena again depends on his ability to turn back time and convince selectors that his fire still burns bright enough to light up India’s Test fortunes. As he prepares for the Ranji Trophy and leads KKR, the cricketing world watches, rooting for a veteran who refuses to fade away.

Last Updated on: Monday, July 14, 2025 10:28 am by Charan Sai Reddy | Published by: Charan Sai Reddy on Monday, July 14, 2025 10:28 am | News Categories: Sports

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