India cricket team star Virat Kohli’s plans to retire from Tests might open the doors for Ajinkya Rahane’s re-entry into the side. The Mumbai batter, who played his last Test in July 2023, has been out of the scheme of the things of selectors over the past year. However, considering that India will go to England without Rohit and possibly Virat too, the team needs an experienced batter in the middle-order.
Why India need Rahane in England
Rahane is arguably one of the most experienced batters who is still in the mix for a spot in the Indian side. Despite sitting out of the Test team for nearly two years now, the Mumbai batter has continued to deliver consistent performances in domestic cricket. He could very well be the stable middle-order option that India will be looking for following Kohli’s departure.
Rahane is a 85-Test veteran with 5077 runs to his name, averaging 38.46. It includes 26 hundreds and 26 fifties. In first-class cricket, he has 14,000 runs to his name from 201 matches and averages 45.16.
| Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 85 | 144 | 5077 | 38.46 | 49.50 | 12 | 26 |
| FC | 201 | 340 | 14000 | 45.16 | 53.21 | 41 | 59 |
In England, Rahane has scored 864 runs from 31 innings, including a century and 6 fifties. Besides, the veteran has also played in the County Championship, and hence is well versed with the conditions in the UK.
Talking about Rahane’s form, the Mumbai batter has delivered some scintillating and consistent performances over the past year. He finished as the highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In Ranji Trophy, he managed to score 467 runs from 9 matches, averaging 35.92. His fine form spilled over to IPL 2025 as well. The KKR captain is one of the most consistent batters for the side, having scored 375 runs from 12 matches, averaging 37.50.
Given his red-hot form, coupled with the absence of the veteran duo of Ro-Ko, Rahane is a must-pick in the Indian side for the England series. The five-match Test series is scheduled to commence from June 20 onwards.
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