"Fitness-wise, I'm...": Ajinkya Rahane sends Gautam Gambhir strong message on India comeback

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has reignited the buzz around his India comeback with a powerful statement amidst the ongoing IPL 2025. Ajinkya Rahane has been sidelined from white-ball cricket for nearly a decade and last played a Test for India back in 2023, but his hunger to return to the national team burns brighter than ever.

The right-handed batter, who famously led India to that iconic 2-1 Test series triumph in Australia in 2020-21, refused to be written off. With the Indian selectors prioritizing young blood for the past couple of years, Rahane has quietly been grinding it out in domestic cricket, staying fit and sharpening his game to grab the opportunity if it comes.

Ajinkya Rahane refuses to give up on Team India return

The KKR captain has made it clear that he’s not done dreaming about representing the country at the highest level once again. Rahane said that he is really enjoying his game presently, and his current focus is on the ongoing IPL 2025, so he is not focusing on his India comeback presently.

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Ajinkya Rahane said on Star Sports Press Room: “I would love to be back in the Indian set-up again. The desire, the hunger, the fire is still there. Fitness-wise, I am right up there. I just want to take one game at a time, thinking about this IPL right now, and then, let’s see what happens in the future.”

Rahane further noted, “I am a guy who will never give up. (I) always try and give my best on the field; give more than 100 percent. It’s always about that, focusing on controllable things. I have been playing domestic cricket as well, and I am really enjoying my cricket at this moment.”

Ajinkya Rahane in good form for KKR in the IPL 2025

Even after being away from the international arena since 2023, Rahane remains fiercely dedicated to his craft. The KKR captain said that he follows a rigorous routine in the off-season, which includes multiple intense training sessions to keep him fit to achieve his goal.

The veteran batter is leaving no stone unturned — from pushing his body in training to carefully managing his diet and recovery, while reaffirming his love and passion for the game.

Notably, Rahane scored 297 runs in 10 games at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 149 so far in the ongoing IPL 2025.

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There is nothing higher than representing your country: Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane signed off by saying, “Every day when I wake up, it’s always about what goals I want to achieve. For me, there is nothing higher than representing your country. I want to represent my country. I want to wear those Indian colors again.

I’m focusing on my diet as well…the motivation to do well for India, it’s still there. I am enjoying my cricket; that is the important thing. I am still passionate. I still love the game.”

Notably, KKR are currently sitting in the seventh spot with nine points from 10 games in the ongoing tournament. They will next face the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 on May 4.