Out-of-favour Indian player sets his ambitious goal of 'playing 100 Tests' amid Ranji Trophy success run

Senior cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is currently an out-of-favour player of Team India. He was at a similar stage last year, but a fine Ranji Trophy season earned him a place in the Indian Test squad that faced Australia in the final of the 2021-23 World Test Championship (WTC). However, the emergence of youngsters has forced the selectors to overlook him, but the 35-year-old is hoping to repeat the trick this year. 

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Rahane led Mumbai to a 10-wicket victory over Andhra Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy match at home on Monday. The veteran middle-order batter said after the match that he aims to win the coveted domestic title and represent his national team in 100 Test matches. “I'm looking for a do well for Mumbai one game at a time. The aim is to lift the Ranji Trophy and bigger aim is to play 100 Test matches," he said. 

Having played 85 Test matches for India, Rahane has scored over 5000 runs at an average of 38.56 with 12 hundreds and 26 half-centuries. He will be also remembered for leading the Men in Blue to historic victories against Australia, centuries at Lord's and the MCG. At some point of time, the right-hander lost his rhythm and was left out of the squad along with Cheteshwar Pujara. 

Put your team first, play your game: Rahane

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However, the fire inside him still burns and he gives his best every day to return to the team. When asked what it takes to succeed at the highest level, Rahane said the mindset is the most important. One needs to be technically sound and well prepared, but at the end of the day, how mentally strong you are to handle the pressure is crucial, he added. 

According to Rahane, a batter should always put his team first and play their game instead of slogging in the middle. Have the intent and courage to play your game, his advice for good batting.

“By courageous I mean, you have to play your game. That's what I'm saying. It doesn't mean you go out there and slog. It's all about taking that extra risk or maybe playing with intent. (If you are) Thinking about your own performance, you go into your shell. But when you put your team first, play your game, there is no fear of failure... that should be the attitude," Rahane concluded.