Ajinkya Rahane, India’s most consistent performer overseas, also had his career go into reverse in the past few years. A regular at No. 4 in Test cricket, he has fallen out of favor to such an extent in the last two years that he is out of the team in all formats now. Even though he is not the type to make the headlines frequently, Rahane has recently expressed himself, stating that he was not communicated with regarding his omission from the Test squad after the 2023 World Test Championship final.
He mentioned that people had told him to approach the selectors and the management of the team to inquire about his status, but the “other party” was not willing to speak to him. Rahane, expecting to be picked for India’s next series after the World Test Championship final, was axed without explanation.
Ajinkya Rahane Shares The Story Of Suddently Getting Dropped
“When I was dropped a few years ago, I made runs and was picked for the World Test Championship final and then was dropped again. But what is in my control? To play. I did well in domestic cricket and in the IPL and was called again. Whenever an experienced player makes a comeback, one knows that he will get 2-3 series. I knew that South Africa was a challenging series and I was expecting a call, but I wasn’t picked. I felt bad because I have been serving for so long,” Rahane said in an interview with Indian Express.
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“I’m not the person who will go and ask why I’m being dropped. There was no communication. Many said ‘go and talk’ but one can only talk when the other person is ready to talk. If he is not ready, there is no point fighting. I wanted to talk one on one. I never messaged. I felt odd when I was dropped after the WTC final because I had worked hard for it. I thought I would be there for the next series. There is no point cribbing. I can only do what is in my hands. There is a belief that I will make a comeback,” he said
‘My Only PR Is My Cricket’ Says Rahane
Whereas most players have PR machinery that boosts their selection arguments, Rahane stressed that he does not have any machinery at his disposal. Even though he has not been in great nick for Mumbai during the current Ranji Trophy, Rahane regained his mojo with a century in the quarterfinal against Haryana at Eden Gardens. This ton was a special one as it was in his 200th first-class game.
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“I was always shy, now I have opened up. My focus has been to play cricket and go home. Nobody told me that going ahead, certain things will be needed. Today also, sometimes I feel ki bas cricket khelo, ghar jao. Now I am told I need to speak up, talk about my hard work. People say you need to be in the news … I don’t have a PR team, my only PR is my cricket. I have now realised that staying in the news is important. Otherwise, people think that I’m out of the circle,” said Rahane.
