Ajinkya Rahane retirement not coming soon? Check details

Senior Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane made a notable appearance at Lord’s as India took on England in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. A calm and composed figure, Rahane was seen watching the action unfold with keen interest as India fought to reduce their first-innings deficit. With Ravindra Jadeja and young Nitish Kumar Reddy holding fort at the crease, the visitors managed to bring the deficit down to under 100 runs after lunch on Day 3. Speaking during the match, Rahane admitted that the desire to wear the Indian whites still burns strong within him.

Though he last played Test cricket in 2023 and has been out of India’s limited-overs squads for nearly ten years, the experienced right-hander remains hopeful of a comeback to the red-ball format. Rahane, who has played a pivotal role in some of India’s most iconic overseas victories, believes he still has a lot to offer. Known for his gritty temperament and ability to perform under pressure, Rahane continues to stay match-ready through domestic cricket. While a return to the national side may seem distant for now, the veteran’s presence at Lord’s and his open ambition signal that his chapter in Indian cricket may not be closed just yet.

“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,” stated Ajinkya Rahane. 

“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.

"I still want to play Test cricket!" 👀

Ajinkya Rahane joins Athers & Nas at Lord's... and the 37-year-old still has a desire to play in white for India 💙 pic.twitter.com/gZGZr32chl

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025

It is worth noting that Ajinkya Rahane, who hails from Ashwi KD in Maharashtra, last played for India in a Test match against the West Indies in 2023. Since then, he has remained active in the domestic cricket circuit, turning out for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and also participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A seasoned campaigner, Rahane currently leads Mumbai in First-Class cricket, where his experience and leadership continue to be invaluable assets to the team. In addition to his red-ball commitments, Rahane has also been a regular feature in the domestic limited-overs setup, contributing with both the bat and his tactical acumen. While he has been absent from the international scene for a while, his consistent performances at the domestic level suggest that he is far from finished.