India Test star Ajinkya Rahane is all set to feature for the historic Hampshire County Cricket Club in the domestic cricket of England and Wales. Not only that, Rahane has become the first overseas player from India to sign for Hampshire. The right-hand top-order batsman will replace South Africa batsman Aiden Markram, who will be joining his side ahead of the World Cup as his stint with Hampshire will end soon.
The 30-year-old has played 56 Test and 90 ODI appearances since making his debut against Australia in March 2013.
"We are delighted to attract a player of Ajinkya's class and with both Aiden and Dimuth selected for the World Cup, we were obviously in the market for a top-order batsman. Ajinkya showed an interest early on and the way things have played out it is a great opportunity to get him over -- we're really excited to have him with us," Director Of Cricket Giles White said in a statement.
"He has enjoyed playing at the Ageas Bowl previously and it is going to be great to have a player of his stature joining the dressing room."
"I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation. I hope to score runs and win as a team and would like to thank BCCI for allowing me to play," Rahane said in the statement.
Rahane has totalled more than 3,400 runs at an average of 40.55 in his Test career so far with nine centuries and 17 fifties to his name, while also boasting an average of over 50 with the bat in 125 first-class matches, including a staggering 29 hundreds.