Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane will not be taking part in county cricket for his side Leicestershire as planned as he wants to take a break from cricket after hectic international commitments, the club quoted. India’s Test vice-captain was supposed to join his county club in June but his arrival was pushed back because of his India commitments. Rahane went straight to England after the IPL to take part in the World Test Championship final.
The Club stated those involvements were not earlier included in his schedule, Rahane now wanted to take a break from cricket during August and September which clearly means that he will not play for Leicestershire as planned.
"Firstly, we are fully understanding Ajinkya's situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and traveling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family," Director of Cricket Claude Henderson said in a statement issued by the club.
"We have been in constant communication with Ajinkya and accept how situations can change quickly in cricket. He is extremely grateful for our understanding and still hopes to play for Leicestershire one day."
Australian batter Peter Handscomb will now replace Rahane. Handscomb has decided to extend his stay with the Foxes to take part in next month's Metro Bank One Day Cup.
"Thankfully, we had planned for a situation like this, and we are delighted Peter is staying on with the team. He brings many qualities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping, including strong leadership, which is a massive help to Lewis (Hill) and the rest of the guys in our changing room," Henderson said.
The veteran Indian batter guided India in the absence of Virat Kohli in Australia, helping them to win against Kangaroos on their soil. But then his form started deteriorating and as a result, he was dropped from the team. Rahane did not give up and put on a stellar batting show in the domestic circuit and IPL, again making his way into the Indian team.