‘There’s a lot of cricket left in me’ – Ajinkya Rahane refelcts on his future with team India ahead of West Indies tour

After a disappointing performance against Australia in World Test Championship 2023 final, India will lock horns against West Indies in two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is starting from Wednesday, July 12. Ahead of the series, team India’s vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane asserted that there is still a lot of cricket left in him after his successful return to the Indian Test team.

Rahane made his comeback to the national side after a span of almost 17 months, after performing brilliantly in domestic cricket and, recently winning a title with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side in the 16th of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His exceptional batting performance for the CSK side earned him a comeback in the Test squad.

I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment: Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane was India’s top batter in the match despite the team’s defeat to Australia, scoring 89 and 46 runs. Although he had been expected to be a part of the West Indies tour,  the 34-year-old’s return to the vice-captaincy position surprised many. Rahane was asked about reclaiming the vice-captaincy before the first Test in Dominica. Rahane stated that he felt confident in his role and delighted to be back on the team.

“I’m used to this role. I was a vice-captain for almost four or five years. But I’m really happy to be back in the team. I’m really happy to be back as a vice-captain. I’m used to this role,” Rahane was quoted as saying.

When questioned about his perfect comeback to the team, Rahane explained that he still has plenty of cricket left in him and that he now feels much more at ease. The Mumbai batter claimed to be enjoying both playing and batting.

“I’m still young. I still have a lot of cricket left in me. The IPL season was good, the domestic season was also good. Batting-wise, I feel a lot more confident. In the last one and a half years, I worked on my fitness and some other key points. I’m enjoying my cricket at the moment. I’m enjoying my batting as well. I don’t want to think ahead a lot. For now, every match is important, personally and from the perspective of the team. So, I’m focusing on that,” the right-handed batter opined.