Ajinkya Rahane’s bold message for the selectors: ‘I want to wear the colors of India again’. Cricket news

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders Captain Ajinkya Rahane has confirmed his unwavering determination to return to the Indian team, saying that he still bothers “desire and hunger” to represent the country again. The 36 -year -old was last depicted in a Test match in 2023 and has been out of India’s white ball plans for almost a decade, but his attention is clear.
“I would like to come back to the Indian set-up again. Desire, hunger, fire is still there. I am there. I just want to take a game at a time, thinking about this IPL right now, and then see what happens in the future,” said during Star Sports Press Room Interaction on Friday.
He said, “I am a person who will never give up. (I) always try and give their best on the field; give more than 100 percent. It is always about that, while focusing on controlful things. I am also playing domestic cricket and I am really enjoying my cricket at this time,” he said.
Rahane’s most famous chapter in Indian colors came during 2020-21 Border-gavaskar trophy In Australia, where he led a horrific side to win the historic 2–1 Test series. Despite that high, he soon sidelined himself as the young talent emerged and took the center stage.

“Every day when I wake up, it is always what goals I want to achieve. For me, there is nothing more than representing your country,” he repeated.
He said, “I want to represent my country. I want to wear those Indian colors again. () During the off-season, I train for two-three sessions a day. I think it is really important to keep myself fit at the moment, this moment, to me, the recovery is really important, the recovery is really important,” he said.
“(I) I am also focusing on my diet … the inspiration to do good for India, it is still there. I am enjoying my cricket, that’s important thing. I am still emotional. I still love the game.”
Like -as it moved towards the conversation IPL 2025 And KKR’s campaign, Rahane, expressed full support for the out-of-form-capten Venkatesh Iyer, who has fought for continuity. The defending champion needs to win all of the remaining sports to be in the playoff controversy, increasing the pressure.
The biggest procurement of the franchise for Rs 23.75 crore, Iyer managed only 60 and 45 notes in this season. In the last four matches, he has gathered just 28 runs. But Rahane is supporting his deputy to bounce back.

“Every player undergoes the stage where he is trying his best, but is not coming. He is a quality player. We all know that he has done well for the franchise in the past, (he) has won the match for the team,” he said.
“This management (and) is important from the leadership of the leadership group (that) we are returning it. He is really working hard. People usually only see only about the results and results. But the hard work that all the players are doing is really important.”
He said, “From my point of view, we are fully supporting Venkatesh Iyer. He is just one innings away. You may probably see a good innings from him in the next four matches,” he said.
Rahane also admitted that the team’s initial combinations have not clicked continuously.
“Sunil Narin has performed well in the past for us. This year, we started with Quinni (Quinton de Cock). Quinni knocked very well. But then, he could not capitalize it. He is working hard. He is doing his best. But now, we have to see positiveness instead of not working.”
“Obviously, there are errors (are) and it can happen in this format. You want your players to play with freedom, sometimes play with high-risk cricket, so we are obliged to make errors.”
“I do not like to pinpoint on any particular number or any particular number. Everyone has to contribute … it’s not happening, yes. I accept it.”
Looking forward, Rahane emphasized the importance of focusing a match at a time, especially with the upcoming Games against Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, both were already finished by the playoff race.
“When the teams are out, they have not found anything to lose and they come with a different mentality to play the game. For us, on that particular day it is important to go out with the right mindset (and) the right attitude and give your best,” he said.