Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: Getty Images)
In a fresh development, it’s been learnt that Indian cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane, has been roped in by Leicestershire for the ongoing county season.
Remarkably, the 35-year-old, on the brink of turning 36 in four days, had previously inked a contract with Leicestershire during the preceding season. However, his participation was thwarted by his involvement in the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia, and subsequently a two-match Test series the following month against the West Indies. Such commitments led him to withdraw, citing a yearning for respite from the demanding schedule of cricket engagements.
The stint with Leicestershire in their County Championship Division Two campaign for 2024 would be Rahane’s second in England’s premier red-ball competition, having previously represented Hampshire in 2019 in a season which saw him score 307 runs in 13 innings.
Meanwhile, The Times of India reported about the news today but even they did not mention any further details which are part of the contract.
The veteran stalwart, who’s hoarded 13225 runs in 318 innings in First Class cricket in a career which started off in 2007, had a Ranji campaign to forget, despite leading Mumbai to the title after a trophy drought of eight long years since they last won in the 2015-16 season. Rahane, who skippered India to a historic 2-1 series victory against the Aussies Down Under in the 2020-21 four-match Test series, managed to muster only 214 runs in eight matches at a subpar average of 17.83.
Meanwhile, among the Indian contingent gracing county sides in the current season are Cheteshwar Pujara, Prithvi Shaw, Karun Nair, and Siddharth Kaul. While Pujara is showcasing his skills for Sussex, the remaining trio are plying their trade for Northamptonshire.
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Rahane and Shaw will subsequently join Mumbai’s pre-season camp, after their formalities conclude with their respective counties.