Ajinkya Rahane once again proved his class and resilience in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, scoring a superb second-innings century that played a crucial role in securing Mumbai’s place in the semi-finals. His knock of 108 off 180 balls at Eden Gardens was a testament to his grit and determination, as he guided his team to a strong position in a high-pressure game. Since being dropped from the Indian Test squad in mid-2023, Rahane has focused entirely on domestic cricket, where he has consistently performed well. His recent form has been nothing short of outstanding, with four scores of 90+ runs in his last seven matches, including this crucial century in the quarter-final.
Speaking to the media after Mumbai's hard-fought victory, Rahane spoke candidly about his passion for the game and his enduring love for Test cricket. He acknowledged that domestic cricket had given him everything and emphasized that he still plays the game with complete dedication and commitment. "Domestic cricket has given me everything, and because of that, I still have that passion. I still have that love for the game. I respect Test cricket. I don’t know what will happen in the future. But abhi bhi cricket bacha hai mere mein (there's still cricket left in me). As you all can see, I am playing with all my heart," Rahane said on Tuesday, February 11.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future in international cricket, Rahane made it clear that he is not concerned about what lies ahead. Instead, he is focused on playing with the right mindset, giving more than 100 percent in every match, and maintaining a positive attitude. His hunger for the game remains strong, and he believes that as long as a player is passionate and motivated, they can continue to perform at the highest level. "I always think that I should play cricket with a good attitude and give more than 100 per cent. Whatever happens in the future, no one can stop it. My job is to play cricket with a good attitude. And, whatever happens in the future will be good. If you are not hungry, then there is nothing inside. So, you should be hungry to play. But, right now, my mind is in domestic cricket," Rahane stated.
Rahane also highlighted the importance of perseverance and mental strength in cricket. He acknowledged that batting, bowling, and overall performance can fluctuate, but for him, the key to success has always been his attitude. He reiterated his unwavering respect for Test cricket, stating that it remains the pinnacle of the sport in his eyes. "Batting, bowling, and performance can always go up and down. But for me, strength is my attitude. And, I play with this passion. As I said, for me, Test cricket is always at the top. And, that hunger is still alive. The fire inside me is still alive," he added, making it clear that he is not ready to step away from competitive cricket anytime soon.
Mumbai’s remarkable quarter-final victory over Haryana showcased the team’s fighting spirit and depth. The match saw a dramatic turnaround after Mumbai’s underwhelming first-innings performance. It was Rahane’s gritty second-innings century, combined with valuable contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 70 runs, that helped Mumbai post a challenging target of 354 runs for Haryana. The duo stitched together a crucial 129-run partnership, which provided the much-needed stability and momentum for Mumbai in the second innings.
On the bowling front, all-rounder Shardul Thakur and fast bowler Royston Dias were instrumental in sealing the victory for Mumbai. Dias delivered a match-winning spell, picking up a crucial five-wicket haul that dismantled Haryana’s batting lineup. His brilliant effort ensured that Haryana was bowled out for just 201 runs in the fourth innings, handing Mumbai a commanding 152-run win.
With this victory, Mumbai has booked their place in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to defending their title. As the tournament progresses, Rahane’s experience and leadership will be crucial for Mumbai. His ability to anchor innings under pressure, combined with his calm and composed demeanor, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.
Beyond his contributions to Mumbai’s success, Rahane’s performances in the domestic circuit have once again put him in the spotlight. While his return to the Indian Test team remains uncertain, his recent form could reignite discussions among the selectors. His ability to rise to the occasion and play match-winning knocks in high-pressure situations is something that cannot be ignored.
As Mumbai gears up for the semi-finals, all eyes will be on Rahane and whether he can continue his rich vein of form. If he keeps delivering strong performances, a national team recall may not be entirely out of reach. For now, Rahane remains fully committed to Mumbai’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy, and his hunger to succeed continues to drive him forward.
