Fresh off a magnificent score of 159 for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh on Sunday, veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane candidly addressed the sensitive topics of selection, age, and the irreplaceable value of experience in cricket. Rahane revealed that he felt completely prepared for India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia but expressed dismay over a complete lack of communication from the selectors.
“An experienced player like myself deserves more opportunities, and there was absolutely no communication,” Rahane stated to reporters after achieving his 42nd first-class century. “I can focus only on the controllable things, which I am doing right now. But as I’ve said before, the Indian team needed me in Australia, and I was fully ready to contribute.”
The former India captain, who famously led the team to a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2021, reiterated his belief that a player’s age should never be the sole determinant of their value. “It’s not about age; it’s about the burning passion for red-ball cricket,” he asserted. “Experience is absolutely crucial in Test cricket.” To underscore his point, Rahane referenced former Australian batter Mike Hussey, who debuted later in his career but consistently delivered, highlighting the essential balance between “young talent and seasoned expertise.”
“You simply cannot field a team composed entirely of newcomers,” Rahane explained, drawing attention to the recent one-day international heroics of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Australia as clear evidence that experienced players continue to perform decisively in critical moments. He shared, with a smile, “I was genuinely delighted to witness Rohit scoring a century.”
Rahane concluded his interaction by offering some thoughtful advice to promising young talent, Sarfaraz Khan, who often finds himself discussed in similar selection debates. “He shouldn’t allow himself to be distracted,” Rahane advised. “His focus should remain on consistently scoring runs, staying grounded, and controlling only what is within his power.”