"Father's salary wasn't enough..." - Ajinkya Rahane reveals how family’s financial struggles kept him grounded
Published - 17 Feb 2025, 04:29 PM | Updated - 17 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
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India National Cricket Team player Ajinkya Rahane opened up about his family's early financial struggles. He revealed that when he started playing for the nation, he bought a second-hand WagonR as he didn't want to invest heavily.
Ajknkya Rahane is one of the finest batters to have played for the India National Cricket Team. The Mumbai player is also one of the calmest characters as he doesn't get involved in any controversies, keeping his sole focus on the batting and the leadership role that he is currently performing for his domestic team.
Ajinkya Rahane currently isn't part of the Indian setup, but puts hard yards in the domestic circuit
Ajinkya Rahane currently isn't part of the Indian setup, but his contributions to Indian cricket have been immense. The right-hander has represented the national team in all three formats, but it was the Test cricket where he truly made a name for himself.
Rahane was the backbone of the Indian middle order as he was one of the most consistent players in both home as well as overseas conditions. He developed himself as the match-winner and is still putting in the hard yards in the domestic circuit with an eye to make a comeback.
My mother used to babysit to earn extra money because my father's salary wasn't enough to make ends meet - Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, who is among the famous cricketers in India, talked about the challenges that he faced coming from a lower-middle-class family. He revealed that his mother used to babysit to earn extra money as his father's income wasn't enough. He added that he remembers everything, and hence, he likes to stay grounded. Speaking to Indian Express, he explained:
"I used to come from Dombivali. The train journey was the most challenging for me, and I used to travel alone from the age of 8 because my father had to go to the office. I come from a lower-middle-class family.
"My mother used to babysit to earn extra money because my father's salary wasn't enough to make ends meet. Those memories are in my mind and that is why I try to be grounded. This fame and money has come only due to this game."
I bought a second-hand WagonR when I played for India - Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane added that his family members always advised him to spend only if it's needed. He revealed that he didn't have a car and he used to take a lift from Nilesh Kulkarni, Avishkar Salvi or Pravin Tambe. While talking about his first car, he said that wanted to invest wisely. He elaborated:
"This is where my family values came in. They never said don't spend, but they only said if it's needed, do it. I bought a car very late in my life, I used to take a lift from Nilesh Kulkarni, Avishkar Salvi or Pravin Tambe.
"I bought a second-hand WagonR when I played for India. People said bada car le but for me it was about travelling in comfort. I wanted to invest wisely. After two years, I bought a Honda City."
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