Ajinkya Rahane announces Test comeback at Lord's, EXPOSES Ajit Agarkar

The 37-year-old India National Cricket Team batsman Ajinkya Rahane has openly expressed his desire to represent the nation once again in Test cricket.

Amid the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord's in London, Ajinkya Rahane said that he is still very passionate about playing Test cricket and wants to make it to the Indian team.

Also Read: Watch: Ravindra Jadeja injures England bowler with brutal shot, forces him to leave the field at Lord's

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Ajinkya Rahane last played for India in 2023

Rahane was one of the top batters of the Indian team in the last one decade and was a key member of the Virat Kohli-led side that dominated both at home and overseas.

He was even appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian Test team after his consistent performances and led the side to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in the 2020-21 season.

Overall, he played 85 Test matches for the India National Cricket Team and scored 5077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties.

Rahane, who also has his name on the Lord's honours board, last played for India in 2023 in the Test series against the West Indies away from home. Notably, Rahane had made his comeback to the team in the WTC 2023 Final, and just after one series against West Indies, he was dropped.

I still want to play Test cricket - Ajinkya Rahane

In an interview on Sky Sports at Lord's, Michael Atherton asked Rahane if he wants to play Test cricket again for India.

"We're delighted to have been joined by Ajinkya Rahane, who's played 85 Tests for India, scored more than 5,000 test runs, 12 tests, hundreds, and captained India in six games, winning four of them, so an exceptional record," Michael Atherton said on Sky Sports while introducing Ajinkya Rahane.

"I nearly said former India batter, but that would be quite wrong. You're 37 years of age, but you haven't given up hopes of playing Test cricket again," Michael Atherton asked Rahane.

Replying to this, Rahane said that he is still enjoying his cricket and keeping himself prepared with his eyes on India Test comeback. He said:

"Not at all. First of all, it's good to be here. I still want to play Test cricket. I'm passionate about playing Test cricket. At this moment, I'm enjoying my cricket. Just here for a few days, I carried my trainers, my training clothes, so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so the preparation has just begun."

I tried to have conversations with the selectors but I got no response - Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane also revealed that he tried having conversations with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to get a clear picture about his India future, but received a cold shoulder.

"For me it is about focusing on the controllables. Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors but I got no response. What I can do is keep playing. I love Test cricket. I love playing with the red ball. It is a passion," the veteran batter said.

While talking about being Virat Kohli's deputy and leading India in Test cricket whenever he was absent, Ajinkya Rahane said that he wanted to lead the team with his unique style. He stated:

"Every captain must have their own style. When I became the Test captain I always wanted to back my style and thinking and instinct. For me it was about staying true to my character, backing my instincts."

"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