ENG vs IND 2025: ‘I still want to play Test cricket’ – Ajinkya Rahane reveals future plans with team India

Ajinkya-Rahane. (Photo source: X)

The veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane was present at Lord’s as India faced England in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While observing the match, Rahane admitted he still holds hopes of donning the Indian whites once again. India, in their first innings, were steadily reducing the deficit with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease, bringing it down to under 100 runs after lunch on Day 3.

Rahane last represented India in Test cricket in 2023 and has not been part of the limited-overs setup for nearly a decade. Despite the absence, the seasoned batter reaffirmed his aspiration to make a return to the longest format of the game.

“It’s good to be here. I still want to play Test cricket. I am really passionate about playing Test cricket and at this moment, I am enjoying my cricket. Just here for a few days and I carried my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so the preparation has just begun,” Rahane said via Sky Sports Cricket during an interaction.

“I would love to be back in the Indian set-up again. The desire, the hunger, the fire is still there. Fitness-wise, I am right up there. I just want to take one game at a time, thinking about this IPL right now, and then, let’s see what happens in the future,” he added.

The 37-year-old’s most memorable achievement came during the 2020–21 tour of Australia, where he led an injury-hit Indian side to a historic and emotionally charged 2-1 Test series victory. However, in the years that followed, Rahane gradually slipped out of the playing XI as a new wave of young talent emerged and cemented their places in the squad.

“I am a guy who will never give up. (I) always try and give my best on the field; give more than 100 per cent. It’s always about that, focusing on controllable things. I have been playing domestic cricket as well and I am really enjoying my cricket at this moment,” the veteran batter added.

It is worth mentioning that the Ashwi-KD-born last represented India during a Test match against the West Indies in 2023, and has since only played in domestic tournaments like the IPL and Ranji Trophy. He also captains Mumbai in First-Class cricket, and is a key inclusion in the limited-overs’ set-up as well.