Indian Test specialist batter Ajinkya Rahane will join Leicestershire after the Indian T20 League 2023’s conclusion. This would be Rahane’s second stint in County Cricket. He was previously involved with Hampshire for a quick shift in 2019.
The veteran batter will participate in the upcoming County Championships 2023 and the Royal London One Day Cup. He reportedly signed a deal with Leicestershire on Tuesday, January 31. And, the announcement on socials followed.
Ajinkya Rahane will join Leicestershire in June after his stint with the Chennai T20 team
He’ll join the team in June and be available for eight games in the County Championships 2023. On the other hand, he is expected to be available for the entirety of the Royal London One Day Cup to be played between August 1 and September 16.
Against this backdrop, this move could become Ajinkya Rahane’s golden opportunity to get back to the Indian Test Cricket team. The veteran has been out since he was dropped for India’s test clash against Sri Lanka last year. He hasn’t featured in a single test match for India since January last year.
Speaking about his decision to join Leicestershire, Ajinkya Rahane said: “I’m really happy to be joining Leicestershire for the upcoming season. I can’t wait to play alongside my new teammates and explore the vibrant city of Leicester.”
County Cricket has, at times, been the fortune changer for Test players. The case of Cheteshwar Pujara is one from which Rahane can draw some inspiration. The defensive batter found his place back in the Indian team following his sensational showings in the County Championships Division 2 for Sussex.
How did the fans react?
Following this significant update, it is only natural that fans took to Twitter to express their views. Many fans said that County Cricket is where players can improve themselves. They further hoped for it to be the case for Rahane. While some were worried about his contract in India’s top-flight T20 leagues, others felt that this decision was long pending for him.
Another significant opinion was how County Cricket is welcoming Asian players. This indeed speaks of the improvement in the level of players and the game in the world’s largest continent. Rahane has been in fine form in the Ranji Trophy 2023 season, scoring 634 runs, including 2 hundreds in 7 matches so far. He looks all set for the next big step in his career.
Here are some of the best tweets:
Come back strong @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/SbaklIaw5K
— Dhruv (@Dhruv95633064) January 31, 2023
IPL Contract??
— Noor (@KohliFied18Noor) January 31, 2023
That's he should've done in 2021 skipping ipl.
— kran?city (@kran3city) January 31, 2023
County help Test players grow their reputation. Now County wants Asian to participate in tournament. That is because fans love to see them. Azhar, Pujara, Ajinkya etc batters have improves there. Similarly Haris, Abbas, Ishant, Umesh have performed for their teams. pic.twitter.com/qB8qTkbpBn
— Sports.world (@moiz_sports) January 31, 2023
Belated decision like Pujara could have played last season by withdrawing from IPL Too late a decision for any realistic come back
— Venkatraman sreedharan (@Venkatramansre3) January 31, 2023
I feel it is too late but good for him.
— Girish (@crazygireesh8) January 31, 2023
HE WAS THERE IN ENGLAND IN 2019 WC SCORED 3-4 100+ SCORES IN COUNTY BUT EVEN AFTER DHAWAN & SHANKAR GOT OUT OF WC HE DIDN'T GET A CHANCE
HIS NUMBERS IN IPL IS BETTER THAN DHAWAN & ROHIT
HE WAS SOMETHING ELSE UNDER MS CAPTAINCY
HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS MADE HIM ENEMY OF MANY
— KESHAV JHA (@r_t_india1947) January 31, 2023
Will see him Running with water bottle in ipl
— Vignesh PEREZ OUT?? (@ViniciusJrERA) January 31, 2023
He is best. I don't know why he can't play in number 4 position he provide that solidity in middle order of Indian batting. Score good jinx
— Sunil (@Truthsurvive_G) January 31, 2023
