In a significant development, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has signed with Leicestershire for the ongoing County Championship season. The 35-year-old, who will turn 36 in four days, had previously inked a contract with Leicestershire for the previous season. However, his participation was hindered by his commitments to the Indian national team, including the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia and a subsequent two-match Test series against the West Indies. These engagements led Rahane to withdraw from his county stint, citing the need for a break from the demanding cricket schedule.
Rahane’s upcoming stint with Leicestershire marks his second appearance in England’s premier red-ball competition, having previously represented Hampshire in 2019. During that season, he scored 307 runs in 13 innings, showcasing his ability to adapt to English conditions.
Times of India reports suggest Ajinkya Rahane signing for the County Championship 2024
The news of Rahane’s signing was reported by The Times of India, although no further details about the contract were disclosed. This move comes after a challenging Ranji Trophy campaign for Rahane, where he led Mumbai to the title after an eight-year drought but struggled personally, accumulating only 214 runs in eight matches at an average of 17.83. Despite this, Rahane’s vast experience and prior successes, including his leadership in India’s historic 2-1 Test series victory against Australia in 2020-21, make him a valuable addition to Leicestershire.
Ajinkya Rahane’s First Class career, which began in 2007, boasts an impressive tally of 13,225 runs in 318 innings. His presence in the County Championship Division Two campaign for 2024 is expected to bolster Leicestershire’s batting lineup and provide a wealth of experience to the team.
In addition to Rahane, several other Indian cricketers are currently playing in the county circuit. Cheteshwar Pujara is showcasing his skills for Sussex, while Prithvi Shaw, Karun Nair, and Siddharth Kaul are plying for Northamptonshire. Rahane’s participation in the county season aligns him with a growing trend of Indian players seeking to refine their skills in English conditions.
After fulfilling their commitments with their respective counties, Rahane and Shaw will join Mumbai’s pre-season camp, preparing for the domestic season ahead. This period in county cricket will be crucial for Rahane as he looks to regain form and make a compelling case for his continued inclusion in the Indian national team.
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