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Ajinkya Rahane emphasized the immense value of playing cricket in England as he prepares to embark on his county stint with Leicestershire. The seasoned Indian batsman highlighted how each opportunity to play in England enhances a player’s skills, citing the demanding English conditions that necessitate swift adaptation.
Rahane, aged 36, has recently joined Leicestershire for the latter part of the 2024 domestic season. He is slated to feature in the final five matches of the County Championship and the entirety of the One-Day Cup. Notably, Leicestershire are defending champions in the One-Day Cup, a tournament set to commence tomorrow and conclude on September 22.
Initially slated to join Leicestershire last season, Rahane’s plans were deferred due to his selection for the Indian squad in the World Test Championship final. Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket at Leicestershire, expressed enthusiasm about Rahane’s inclusion this time, underscoring the team’s anticipation of having the former Indian vice-captain bolster their ranks.
In an interview on the Foxes TV YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane conveyed his excitement about playing cricket in England, emphasizing the favorable conditions for cricketers. He pointed out that the dynamic and rapidly changing conditions in England challenge players to stay versatile, affirming that each opportunity to play there is invaluable for a cricketer’s development.
“I really enjoy playing in England. Have always thought it is the best conditions for any cricketer as it keeps you humble, keeps you grounded as conditions change very qucikly so you’ve to adapt and to the different sitiuations and be flexible in your mindset. As a cricketer I have always felt whenever you leave England, you learn something or the other and go as an improved cricketer,” Rahane said.
“The conditions at this time are challenging in England and the overhead conditions make it challenging for a batsman. We are defending champions in the 50-over tournament so the expectations will be high. Hopefully, I can do my best for the team and learn from my teammates as well,” he added.
During his tenure with Leicestershire, the middle-order batsman has stressed that his primary aim is to contribute towards the team’s triumphs rather than pursuing personal milestones. Rahane emphasized his approach of taking each game as it comes, prioritizing collective success over individual accolades throughout his county cricket stint.
Ajinkya Rahane last played for Team India in July 2023.
Bringing a wealth of experience to Leicestershire, Ajinkya Rahane boasts an impressive cricketing resume that includes 188 first-class and 182 List-A matches, amassing nearly 20,000 runs and 49 centuries combined. His international career spans 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India, with his last appearance for the national team during the West Indies tour in July 2023.
Currently, Leicestershire occupies the fourth position in County Championship Division Two, accumulating 115 points from nine matches. They are set to kick off their One Day Cup campaign against Nottinghamshire at home on July 24. Rahane joins the squad as a replacement for South African all-rounder Waan Mulder, who is departing for national duties.
