Indian Test veteran, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his aspiration to play 100 Tests for India following Mumbai’s win over Kerala on Monday. Rahane is currently leading the Mumbai team in the ongoing edition of the Ranji trophy.
He missed out on the first game against Bihar but made his comeback in the clash against Andhra Pradesh. While speaking to reporters after Mumbai’s second consecutive win in the tournament, Ajinkya Rahane shed light on his aspiration to not only win the ongoing Ranji trophy but also play 100 Tests for India.
“My goal is to secure both the Ranji Trophy and the bigger objective of playing in 100 Test matches. I’m focused on performing well for Mumbai and taking each game one step at a time,”
The Indian batter has represented India in 85 Tests so far in his international cricket career. He was a vital cog in the Indian Test team till 2022. However, a dip in form for a sustained period meant that he was dropped from the Test team in August 2023 and hasn’t been able to make a comeback, since.
Ajinkya Rahane In Ranji Trophy 2024
Rahane got out for a golden duck on his Ranji comeback for Mumbai in the clash against Andhra Pradesh. However, his team still managed to score 395 runs in the first innings. Later, they bundled out Andhra Pradesh for just 184 runs, courtesy of a six-wicket haul from Shams Mulani.
With a lead of 211, Ajinkya Rahan enforced the follow-on and Andhra, once again, showed a disappointing performance in their second innings. Rahane rotated his bowlers pretty well and bundled out Andhra Pradesh for 244.
Shams Mulani was, once again, the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 for 96. Andhra Pradesh had set a target of 34 runs, which Mumbai chased down without breaking a sweat.
“The decision was Instinctive as such opportunities are very rare. If you read the situation and sniff the opportunity for seven points…it will be helpful for you in future as you don’t know how the wicket will be, the conditions will be, teams form in the upcoming matches…you never know what will happen.” Rahane spoke about the decision to enforce the follow-on.
“So yesterday, I felt like if the bowlers will push themselves a bit and if we take two-three early wickets then it will become easier for us.” He added.
The Mumbai team will play its next game against Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram on January 19 (Friday).
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