The Indian team veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane gave a thought on his professional career, especially the last few months, and explained the reason why he skipped playing in the county championship for Leicestershire. India’s Test vice-captain said that he will focus on his fitness ahead of the domestic season for Mumbai, which is scheduled to begin in October.
Notably, the 35-year-old batter had a brilliant last IPL with Chennai Super Kings where he collected 326 runs in 14 games, lacing it with two fifties at an average of 32.60. On the back of his terrific IPL run, he managed to get an India Test call for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final against Australia. Add to that, the Indian team management also elevated Rahane to the vice-captaincy role for the recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies.
The Mumbai-based batter who was supposed to take part in country cricket for Leicestershire decided to pull out from the competition, citing workload management.
“The last 4 months have been gratifying and with the high-intensity cricket that we have played it is now time to recuperate and recharge my body for the domestic season that lies ahead of us. Representing Mumbai @MumbaiCricAssoc at every stage possible has always been a matter of honour for me and I will be working hard on my fitness over the next 2 months to be at my best for the domestic season which starts in October,” Rahane said.
“Hence, I have decided to opt out of the planned county stint with Leicestershire and prepare for the Indian domestic season. Leicestershire have been in regular touch with me and have been very understanding of the changing situation and I am hopeful of renewing my relationship with them in the future,” he added.
Rahane will now be focusing to regain his fitness and fight for a spot in India’s tour of South Africa, slated to begin in December.