‘Phir SKY toh baccha hain’- Fans react 35-year-old Ajinkya Rahane believes he is still young to play international cricket

It was only a month ago when veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane turned 35. And not so long ago, many people thought his days as an international cricketer were finished. In any case, he was never a hotshot in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his recent performance had even raised doubts about his future in the league. But he proved all the sceptics wrong with his performances with the bat, clearing all the doubts. He was recalled to the India squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final after a solid domestic and IPL 2023 season.

Rahane enjoyed a fantastic domestic season for Mumbai as well, but his exploits in the IPL and injuries to important players KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer played big parts in his return to the Indian team after a year off. He was chosen to India’s WTC finals team. Even though India was defeated by Australia in the WTC final, Rahane stood out for India. His 89-run effort in the first innings demonstrated that he is far from being dropped again.

I am still young: Ajinkya Rahane

He said, “Is age mein matlab? (What do you mean by ‘at this age’?) I am still young. A lot of cricket is left in me,” Rahane said when asked about making a comeback at his age ahead of the first Test between India and West Indies.” “IPL was good, my domestic season was very good. Feeling quite confident about my batting. Last one year or so I’ve worked on my fitness, worked on few points in my batting. I’m enjoying my cricket, batting. I’m not going to think much about the future. Every match is important, individually and from the viewpoint of the team.”

The Mumbai-based batter further added, when asked about how it felt to be the vice-captain, “I am used to this role. I was vice-captain for four-five years in the past but I’m really happy to be back in the team. Really happy to be back in the role too.” With Cheteshwar Pujara being removed from the Test team, India will have a new No.3 for the first time in a long time. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the frontrunners to make their Test debuts in the series opener on July 12 in Dominica.

Here’s how fans reacted

35 is young then SKY is baby

— Mayur (@bhattmayur) July 11, 2023

Actually it doens't make sense to make him vc , it should be jadeja or ash. When Iyer will return he will take his position and when pant is return maybe he will get vc . So he will be removed directly from vc.

— GOAT RO45HIT (@immTonyStark) July 11, 2023

https://twitter.com/91_of_79/status/1678615999883673600?s=20

Sir You are better than Kohli and Rohit rn….

— Vector (@AnIrf_0) July 11, 2023

Downfall of indian cricket…jadega deserved that position more than anyone.

— Rishav Baghel (@ImRcbians) July 11, 2023

Proof that he plays under Dhoni 2💀

— Vineet B Vinayak (@VineetVinayak07) July 11, 2023

Sab seconds ki baat Hain

— NJK (@Nilav1202) July 11, 2023

Young rahane 😭😭

— DK (@kk76483) July 11, 2023