Ajinkya Rahane launches full-fledged attack on Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel
Published - 14 Oct 2025, 12:53 PM | Updated - 14 Oct 2025, 01:08 PM
Out-of-favor India batter Ajinkya Rahane raised concerns about selectors ahead of the upcoming domestic season of Indian cricket. The right-handed batter stated that the state associations should appoint selectors who are former or recently retired players from their respective states in domestic cricket.
Rahane last played competitive cricket for the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 edition of the tournament. The veteran batter failed to lead the team to the playoffs. He scored 390 runs in 12 innings at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147.72, including three fifties.
Ajinkya Rahane Shares His Views on Domestic Cricket Selectors
In a conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane said that recently retired domestic cricketers should be appointed as selectors. He stated that selectors must keep pace with the modern game, adding that decisions should reflect the demands of modern-day cricket.
"I want to talk about selectors, especially in domestic cricket. I believe selectors should, wherever possible, be individuals from all states who have played recently or retired within the last 5-7 years," Ajinkya Rahane stated.
"The game is evolving, and it’s crucial for selectors’ mindset and approach to match the current pace of cricket. We don’t want to base decisions on how cricket was played 20–30 years ago. With formats like T20 and the IPL, it’s important to understand the style of modern cricket players," he added.
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Ajinkya Rahane Last Played for Team India in 2023
Ajinkya Rahane made his Test debut in 2013 against Australia in Delhi. The right-handed batter has played 85 Tests for India, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Rahane has also captained the Indian side, leading the team to victory in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, a major milestone in his career.
Rahane has been out of favor for nearly two years. He last played for India in a Test match against the West Indies in Port of Spain in 2023. The batter was not selected for the England tour even after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Cheteshwar Pujara Announced his Retirement From Indian Cricket in August
Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24. He made his Test debut in 2010 following impressive performances in domestic cricket and went on to play 103 Tests, amassing 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
Pujara last featured in India’s Test side during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia and also played five ODIs in 2013-14, with limited success.
The veteran batter was instrumental in India’s back-to-back Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, securing the Player of the Series award in the first triumph.
Pujara was also a key figure in India’s Test dominance throughout the 2010s, helping the team achieve runner-up finishes in the 2021 and 2023 WTC cycles.
Also read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After IND vs WI 2nd Test 2025
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