Significance of the Day: July 14, 2025
This July 14 isn't just another date—it marks a new chapter for Ajinkya Rahane, the 37‑year‑old former Indian Test captain. Fresh off an emotional plea about his unwavering passion for red‑ball cricket and apparent snub by selectors, Rahane is now fully focused on domestic performance—showing that a champion’s spirit never truly retires
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Introduction
Ajinkya Rahane has been a study in composure, class, and quiet leadership throughout his career. From donning the Test whites to captaining Mumbai and leading KKR, his journey has had highs, resilience in lows, and inspiring reinvention. Today, we celebrate his legacy, his present fight to return, and the lessons fans can take from his journey.
1. Early Career, Classics & Test Ascendancy
Born June 6, 1988, in Maharashtra, Rahane progressed through Mumbai’s cricket system to make his first-class debut in 2007–08. He scored over 1,000 runs in his second Ranji season—stepping into the spotlight . His Test debut in 2013 kicked off a career that would see 5,077 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties
1.1 Overseas Heroics
Known for his calm temperament, Rahane scored centuries in multiple Test-playing countries, including a gritty hundred in Australia during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar series—leading India to historic wins
2. IPL Captaincy Journey: From Royals to KKR
2.1 Rajasthan Royals Captain
In 2018, Rahane took over captaincy from Steve Smith in Rajasthan, showcasing his leadership credentials in high-pressure situations like the IPL
2.2 Crowned KKR Captain in IPL 2025
Purchased for ₹1.5 crore, Rahane was named captain of the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders . He insisted on simplicity and clarity, pledging to build on the foundations laid by Shreyas Iyer’s 2024 success
2.3 Statement Opener vs RCB
In the IPL opener, Rahane led from the front with a blistering 25‑ball fifty—his power-packed half-century shocked the skeptics and reinforced his worth as both leader and batsman
3. IPL 2025 Season: Performance Highlights & Challenges
Despite his heroics, KKR faced a challenging campaign:
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Rahane ended as KKR’s leading run-scorer with 375 runs.
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The team finished 8th, missing playoffs with 6 losses and 2 no-results from 13 matches
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Rahane’s positivity after a tough loss won widespread acclaim .
His leadership shone even in adversity—showing poise and team-first attitude.
4. Test Ambitions & Frustrations
Post IPL, Rahane attended the India–England Tests at Lord’s and made candid comments:
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Asserted: “I still want to play Test cricket. I’m passionate about it…” Revealed efforts to communicate with selectors, but “got no response”
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Despite solid domestic form—467 runs in Ranji last season—his average dropped under 30 in recent outings, complicating his return hopes
Still, he remains undeterred, embracing the grind.
5. Career Stats Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 85 | 5,077 | 38.46 | 12/26 |
| ODIs | 90 | 2,962 | 35.26 | 3/24 |
| T20Is | 20 | 375 | 20.83 | 0/1 |
| IPL 2025 | — | 375* | — | — |
He is among India’s most dependable middle‑order Test batsmen, known for calm under pressure 375 IPL runs as KKR’s top scorer reinforce his adaptability .
6. Leadership & Temperament
Rahane’s leadership is characterized by composure and backing the squad:
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In Melbourne 2020, his captaincy after Kohli’s departure resulted in iconic wins
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As KKR captain, he brought calm clarity amid high expectations .
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Post-match positive quotes—regardless of results—elevated team morale .
His style: lead by example, grounded by character.
7. Recent Media Moments
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Marathi viral clip: Celebrating an India–England Test win, Rahane called it “true dugdhasharkara yog” (milky‑sweet coincidence)—highlighting his emotional connection with the game .
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Sky Sports interview: Atherton praised Rahane, saying:
“I nearly said former India batter…you haven't given up hopes of playing Test cricket again.”
These reactions reflect his enduring respect in global cricket.
8. Future Outlook & What Lies Ahead
8.1 Domestic Season Focus
Rahane plans to train and deliver strong performances in the upcoming Ranji Trophy—his key pathway back to international Tred-ball cricket .
8.2 IPL Continuity
Despite KKR missing playoffs, his leadership imprint and performance suggest he may still feature in future IPL seasons.
8.3 Test Recall Realities
Selectors face pressure: veteran mindset and experience vs performance trends. His focus is firmly on runs and fitness—letting performance decide his fate.
9. Life Lessons from Rahane’s Journey
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Resilience in setbacks: shrugged off drops, continued undeterred.
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Adaptability: Excelled across formats and roles.
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Quiet leadership: actions louder than words.
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Patience pays off: continues hope even when overlooked.
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Humility: celebrated wins with warmth, faced losses with grace.
His story teaches us how to remain steadfast yet humble.
10. FAQs
Q1. Does Rahane want to return to Test cricket?
Yes—he openly stated he “still wants to play Test cricket” and is preparing via domestic cricket
Q2. Why is he not in the Test squad?
Selectors haven’t responded to his outreach. His recent domestic average (~30) and team transitions suggest younger options are being prioritised .
Q3. How did he perform in IPL 2025?
Led KKR with 375 runs, including a rapid 25-ball fifty in the opener. Team finished 8th
Q4. Who praised his leadership recently?
Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain praised his Test passion on Sky Sports, highlighting that he hasn’t lost hope
Q5. What are his next steps?
Prepare rigorously for the Ranji season, continue fitness at Lord’s, and await form-based selection in Tests
Q6. How significant is his IPL captaincy?
Despite an underwhelming team finish, his leadership was praised for clarity, calm, and instilling confidence .
Final Thoughts
Ajinkya Rahane's tale isn’t defined by stats alone—it’s about grit, adaptability, character, and an undying love for cricket. Whether wielding decisive influence in a locker room, anchoring a middle order, or steering domestic comebacks, he remains a true champion.
So today, July 14, 2025, let’s celebrate a sportsman who embodies perseverance—and reminds us that journeying forward is as valuable as the podiums we reach. Here’s to Rahane: may runs, leadership, and opportunity meet his spirit once more.
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