My bigger aim is to play 100 Test matches – Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane, who has played 85 Tests for India and has scored 5077 runs, is considered one of the best batters in the country’s rich cricket legacy. Apart from his performances with the bat, Rahane also captained India to a remarkable series win in Australia, breaching the historic Gabba in the series finale, winning the 2020/21 Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

Still going strong at 35 in the domestic circuit, Rahane expressed his desire to play a century of Test matches for India, which is nothing short of one of the most glamorous feats ever chronicled in the history of cricket for any individual.

Talking in a post-match interview in the ongoing Ranji Trophy where he is representing Mumbai, Rahane said, “I'm looking to do well for Mumbai one game at a time. The aim is to lift the Ranji Trophy and the bigger aim is to play 100 Test matches.”

He further added, “It’s all about the mindset. Your game doesn't suddenly change. In the end, the batter has to watch the ball and play. But it’s about mindset when you are over there... what you are thinking... that is different for each individual. How you prepare, the process you follow... all those small things matter. You just can't think about just batting and bowling. At the international level, your mindset should be right. How strong you are mentally is important as well. How you handle pace, how you handle failure. All these things matter.”

Rahane concluded on a note of being fearless by saying, “By courageous I mean, you have to play your game. That's what I'm saying. It doesn't mean you go out there and slog. It's all about taking that extra risk or maybe playing with intent. (If you are) Thinking about your own performance, you go into your shell. But when you put your team first, play your game, there is no fear of failure... that should be the attitude."