Not India! 'Out of favor' Ajinkya Rahane claims England offers the best conditions for cricketers
Published - 23 Jul 2024, 05:31 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:16 AM
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane said that playing in England is an invaluable experience for cricketers ahead of his county stint with Leicestershire. Ajinkya Rahane emphasized that each stint in England helps players return better, as the challenging English conditions require players to adapt quickly.
Ajinkya Rahane has joined Leicestershire for the latter part of the 2024 domestic season. The 36-year-old will participate in the last five County Championship matches and the full One-Day Cup. Leicestershire are the defending champions in the One-Day Cup, which begins tomorrow and concludes on September 22.
Rahane was set to join Leicestershire last season. However, he made him unavailable due to his selection in the Indian squad for the World Test Championship final. Leicestershire's Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, expressed excitement about having the former Indian vice-captain join the team this time.
Really Enjoy Playing In England - Ajinkya Rahane
Speaking on the Foxes TV YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his enthusiasm for playing in England, noting that the conditions there are ideal for cricketers. He highlighted that the fast-changing conditions keep players adaptable, adding that every stint in England contributes to a cricketer's growth.
"I really enjoy playing in England. Have always thought it is the best conditions for any cricketer as it keeps you humble, keeps you grounded as conditions change very qucikly so you've to adapt and to the different sitiuations and be flexible in your mindset. As a cricketer I have always felt whenever you leave England, you learn something or the other and go as an improved cricketer," Rahane said.
"The conditions at this time are challenging in England and the overhead conditions make it challenging for a batsman. We are defending champions in the 50-over tournament so the expectations will be high. Hopefully, I can do my best for the team and learn from my teammates as well," he added.
The middle-order batter has emphasized that his focus during his time with Leicestershire is on contributing to the team's success rather than setting personal goals. Rahane said that he wants to take it one game at a time and prioritize team achievements over individual milestones during his county stint.
Ajinky Rahane Last Played For Team India In July 2023
Rahane brings extensive experience to Leicestershire, with a record of 188 first-class and 182 List-A matches. He scored almost 20,000 runs and 49 centuries combined. He has also played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India. He last played for the India national team during the West Indies tour in July 2023.
Leicestershire is positioned fourth in the County Championship Division Two with 115 points from nine matches. They will begin their One Day Cup campaign against Nottinghamshire at home on July 24. Rahane will serve as a replacement for South African all-rounder Waan Mulder, who will leave for national duty.
