In the high-octane atmosphere of the Indian Premier League’s 2025 season, amidst younger talents and flashy performances, a familiar veteran has quietly but emphatically announced his return to form. Ajinkya Rahane, once a mainstay of India’s Test batting lineup, has registered his second fifty of the tournament, continuing to impress selectors and critics alike ahead of the crucial India vs. England Test series.
His latest innings, a well-crafted 67 off 48 deliveries, wasn’t just about the runs but the manner in which they were accumulated—with technical precision, tactical awareness, and the temperament that once made him one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen.
The Resurgence of a Test Specialist
At 36, many had written off Rahane as a force in Indian cricket. After being dropped from the national Test side following a prolonged lean patch, the Mumbai batsman’s career seemed to be winding down. The narrative was that younger players had surpassed him, and his technique—once his greatest strength—had developed vulnerabilities that international bowlers were exploiting with increasing regularity.
But cricket, like life, often offers second chances to those resilient enough to seize them. Over the past year, Rahane has meticulously reconstructed his technique through domestic cricket. His work with former India batting coach Pravin Amre has clearly paid dividends, addressing specific weaknesses against the short ball and his tendency to get caught in the slip cordon.
“I’ve never stopped believing in my abilities,” Rahane told reporters after his match-winning fifty last night. “The process has always been important to me, and I’ve focused on making technical adjustments without compromising my natural game. Test cricket has always been my priority, and everything I do is aimed at getting back to representing India at the highest level.”
IPL 2025: The Perfect Platform
The IPL, despite being cricket’s most glamorous T20 showcase, has paradoxically become Rahane’s pathway back to Test cricket. While younger batsmen have often prioritized unorthodox shots and aggressive strike rates, Rahane has stuck to his strengths—correct technique, gap finding, and intelligent batting.
His IPL 2025 statistics tell a compelling story:
- 347 runs from 10 matches at an average of 38.55
- Strike rate of 136.22 (his highest ever in IPL)
- Two half-centuries and three scores in the 40s
- Dismissal only once in single digits
What’s particularly impressive is how Rahane has adapted his classical technique to T20 demands without compromising on fundamentals. His cover drives remain as pristine as ever, his back-foot punches still exhibit perfect balance, and his ability to rotate strike continues to frustrate bowling attacks.
Former India captain and commentator Sunil Gavaskar noted during a recent broadcast, “What impresses me about Rahane is that he hasn’t tried to become someone he’s not. He’s playing T20 cricket with Test match technique and still scoring at a healthy rate. That’s the sign of a quality player.”
Technical Adjustments Paying Off
Cricket analysts have noted several key technical adjustments in Rahane’s batting this season:
- A slightly wider stance providing better balance against both pace and spin
- More decisive footwork, especially against spinners
- A minor adjustment in his grip that has helped him handle the short ball more effectively
- Improved shot selection, particularly in the middle overs
These changes haven’t transformed Rahane into a different batsman but rather enhanced his existing strengths while minimizing previous vulnerabilities. The result is a more complete player who looks comfortable in all phases of the T20 game.
Former England captain and technical analyst Michael Vaughan commented on social media: “Rahane’s technique has always been solid, but now there’s a freedom to his batting that wasn’t there before. He’s playing proper cricket shots but with more intent and clarity. That’s exactly what India needs in their Test middle order.”
The India vs. England Test Series Looming
As the IPL progresses toward its playoff phase, the Indian selectors are undoubtedly taking note of Rahane’s performances. The upcoming five-Test series against England, starting next month, presents significant challenges for the Indian batting lineup.
England’s pace attack, led by the experienced James Anderson (who has announced this will be his final series in India) and the rapid Jofra Archer, will test India’s technical proficiency. The middle order, in particular, has shown vulnerability in recent Test outings.
India’s probable middle order for the first Test currently features several players with form concerns:
- Virat Kohli (averaging 31.47 in Tests since 2020)
- Shreyas Iyer (recovering from injury and inconsistent in longer formats)
- KL Rahul (technical issues against the moving ball)
This is precisely where Rahane’s experience and current form could prove invaluable. With over 4,500 Test runs to his name, including centuries in Australia, England, and the West Indies, Rahane brings proven pedigree against quality bowling attacks in challenging conditions.
The Case for Rahane’s Test Return
Several factors strengthen Rahane’s case for a Test recall:
Experience in English Conditions
Rahane has always performed admirably in England, with his technique well-suited to the swinging and seaming conditions. His century at Lord’s in 2014 remains one of the finest overseas hundreds by an Indian batsman. With the series featuring matches at traditional venues like Old Trafford and Headingley, Rahane’s experience could be crucial.
Leadership Qualities
Though not officially in a leadership position anymore, Rahane’s tactical acumen remains sharp. His captaincy in Australia during India’s famous 2020-21 series win showcased his leadership qualities. Even as a senior player without formal leadership responsibilities, his presence would bring stability to a relatively inexperienced middle order.
Current Form
Form is temporary but class is permanent—this cricketing adage has rarely been more applicable than in Rahane’s case. His current touch in the IPL demonstrates that the fundamental quality that made him a Test stalwart remains intact, only enhanced by recent technical refinements.
The Numbers Support Him
Since his domestic cricket comeback, Rahane has averaged 52.35 in first-class cricket, including three centuries and seven fifties. These numbers, combined with his IPL performances, present a compelling statistical case for his inclusion.
What Experts Are Saying
The cricket fraternity has been increasingly vocal about Rahane’s potential Test return:
Ravi Shastri, former India coach: “Experience can’t be bought or taught. Rahane brings 82 Tests worth of experience, and he looks in better touch now than he did in his last Test stint. The selectors would be foolish not to consider him.”
Rahul Dravid, current India head coach: “We’re always looking at performances across formats. While the IPL is T20 cricket, the way someone is playing—their balance, decision-making, and technique—these are all relevant factors when we consider Test selection.”
VVS Laxman, former India batsman: “What I like about Rahane’s current batting is the clarity of thought. He knows exactly what he wants to do, and that mental clarity is crucial for Test cricket, especially in challenging overseas conditions.”
The Road Ahead
As the IPL 2025 enters its final stages, Rahane has positioned himself perfectly for national consideration. The final decision rests with the selectors, but the veteran batsman has done everything within his power to present an irrefutable case.
For Rahane personally, this resurgence represents more than just potential career extension. It’s vindication of his unwavering belief in classical batting technique in an era increasingly dominated by unorthodox methods.
“I’ve always believed that good technique never goes out of fashion,” Rahane remarked after receiving another Player of the Match award last week. “The game evolves, but the fundamentals remain constant. Standing tall, playing with soft hands, and respecting good balls while punishing the bad ones—these principles work across all formats.”
As India prepares to announce their squad for the England Tests, Ajinkya Rahane waits with renewed hope and justified confidence. His IPL renaissance has been built not on reinvention but on refinement—a testament to the enduring value of technique, temperament, and tenacity in cricket’s constantly evolving landscape.
Whether he dons the India Test cap again or not, Rahane’s 2025 IPL campaign stands as proof that there’s still place for classical batsmanship even in cricket’s most contemporary format. And for a generation of young Indian batsmen watching him construct rather than demolish innings, that might be his most significant contribution yet.
