There have been many great batters in Indian Test cricket who dominated scorecards and headlines. Ajinkya Rahane, however, built his legacy differently.

Rahane was rarely the centre of attention, yet he repeatedly produced innings that rescued India from difficult situations. Whether it was a fighting century at Lord’s, a captain’s knock in Melbourne, or countless middle-order rescues, the Mumbai batter earned a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers.

As Rahane brings the curtain down on his Test career, he leaves behind not just numbers but memories of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the team.

The Man India Turned To During Difficult Times

Rahane was never India’s biggest superstar, but he was often the player trusted when the team found itself under pressure.

One of his earliest defining moments came at Lord’s in 2014, where India were struggling at 145/7 before Rahane counter-attacked with a brilliant century.

That innings laid the foundation for one of India’s most memorable overseas Test victories, later completed by Ishant Sharma’s famous spell of short-pitched bowling.

It became a recurring theme throughout Rahane’s career—delivering when the team needed someone to absorb pressure.

Melbourne 2020: The Innings That Changed Everything

If Lord’s announced Rahane’s arrival, Melbourne in 2020 cemented his legacy.

India entered the Boxing Day Test after the nightmare of being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest Test score.

With regular captain Virat Kohli unavailable, Rahane stepped in as skipper and responded with a magnificent century under immense pressure.

His composed leadership and match-winning hundred helped India level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and completely change the direction of the series.

That remarkable comeback eventually ended with India’s historic victory at The Gabba, one of the greatest overseas triumphs in Indian cricket history.

More Than Just Overseas Success

Although Rahane earned a reputation as India’s overseas specialist, he also produced several memorable performances at home.

Against South Africa in Delhi in 2015, he scored a vital century to wrest back control of the match.

A year later, he registered his highest Test score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore.

After that innings, Rahane summed up his philosophy perfectly by saying that overcoming difficult phases often made scoring hundreds even more satisfying than batting freely.

That mindset reflected the player he was throughout his career.

Difficult Final Years

Like many great cricketers, Rahane’s career also witnessed a challenging phase.

Technical issues outside the off stump and lapses in concentration began affecting his consistency.

In 2021, he managed only two half-centuries in 23 Test innings, leading to his omission from the Indian side in early 2022.

Rather than giving up, Rahane returned to domestic cricket and enjoyed a superb 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 634 runs at an average of 57.64.

His performances earned him a recall for the World Test Championship Final, where he once again top-scored for India in the first innings.

However, modest returns during the subsequent West Indies tour meant that his international comeback proved to be short-lived.

Reinventing Himself in T20 Cricket

Even when many believed his white-ball career was over, Rahane found another way to stay relevant.

He reinvented his batting style with Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2023, playing fearless cricket at an impressive strike rate and helping CSK win another IPL title.

His domestic performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later earned him a return to Kolkata Knight Riders, where he also took over captaincy duties in 2025 and 2026.

The transformation showcased Rahane’s willingness to evolve with the modern game.

A Career Defined by Selflessness

Rahane finishes his Test journey with:

• Matches: 95
• Runs: 5,077
• Centuries: 12
• Half-centuries: 26
• Batting Average: 38.46

While those numbers may not place him among India’s highest run-scorers, they tell only part of the story.

Rahane’s true contribution lies in the moments when he quietly stepped forward, rescued India from difficult situations and allowed others to shine.

His farewell message perhaps captured his career better than any statistic.

“I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself.”

For Ajinkya Rahane, those words were never just a slogan—they defined an entire Test career built on sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to Team India.

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India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has revealed how senior players are helping teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remain focused on cricket and avoid distractions from social media and outside noise.

The 15-year-old couldn’t repeat his half-century heroics from the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in the second match of the series, scoring a quick 20 off nine balls.

However, Ishan believes there is little reason to worry about the youngster and explained how the Indian dressing room is helping him navigate the early stages of his international career.

Ishan Kishan Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Speaking at the post-match press conference following India’s victory in the second T20I, Ishan described Sooryavanshi as a smart youngster who already understands his responsibilities on and off the field.

According to Ishan, however, the challenge for a young player isn’t restricted to performing with the bat.

Social media attention, outside opinions and distractions within a player’s social circle can potentially affect their development.

Ishan, who says he comes from a similar background, believes experienced players can help Sooryavanshi avoid some of those problems.

Team India Wants Vaibhav Focused Only on Cricket

Ishan revealed that several Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, regularly interact with Sooryavanshi and encourage him to concentrate on cricket.

The idea is to prevent the teenager from becoming overly concerned with social media reactions or outside criticism, particularly when he doesn’t score runs.

“Right now, he thinks as much as possible about cricket, rather than what’s happening on social media, what the outside noise is, or letting his body language drop if he isn’t scoring runs,” Ishan said.

The Indian players are also careful about how they communicate with the youngster, given his age and the enormous attention surrounding his career.

Ishan Calls Sooryavanshi a Special Talent

Sooryavanshi has already demonstrated his ability to completely change a game during the powerplay.

Ishan highlighted the enormous impact the youngster could have if he remains at the crease for the opening six overs.

According to him, a batter with Sooryavanshi’s attacking ability could potentially help India reach 80 to 90 runs in the powerplay.

That explosive potential is one of the reasons India’s players are particularly keen to ensure he remains focused on his development rather than getting distracted by the attention surrounding him.

Senior Players Taking a ‘Brother-Like’ Role

Ishan also explained that his relationship with Sooryavanshi goes beyond regular advice between teammates.

He wants the youngster to avoid mistakes that more experienced players made during the early stages of their own careers.

Those lessons include maintaining the right mindset, taking care of physical fitness and handling the pressures that accompany international cricket.

“Our job as teammates, especially since we are like brothers, is to keep him happy, make him focus on the important things, and ensure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes we made in our early days,” Ishan said.

Sooryavanshi’s Explosive Start to International Cricket

After scoring a half-century in the opening T20I, Sooryavanshi once again demonstrated his attacking intent in the second game.

Although his innings ended at 20 from nine deliveries, his aggressive approach helped India maintain early momentum.

Ishan then took responsibility after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, producing a match-winning 81 off 44 balls as India registered a dominant victory.

For Team India, the priority now appears to be allowing Sooryavanshi to continue playing his natural game while shielding the teenager from unnecessary pressure during the formative stages of his international career.

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India vice-captain Tilak Varma admitted that the T20I series victory over Zimbabwe has come as a welcome relief following disappointing results against Ireland and England.

India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after registering a dominant 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Tilak played a major role in the victory, smashing an unbeaten 60 off just 29 deliveries before contributing with the ball with figures of 1 for 9 from two overs.

Tilak Varma Relieved After Back-to-Back Series Defeats

India entered the Zimbabwe tour under pressure after losing their previous two T20I series.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ireland before being comprehensively beaten by England. According to Tilak, India’s performances in the opening two matches against Zimbabwe showed the team’s determination to respond strongly.

“It’s quite a bit of a relief for us. If you see, the last two series didn’t go our way. But especially the way we have played the last two games was really good,” Tilak said in a BCCI video.

Tilak and Ishan Kishan Turn Up the Heat

Tilak walked out to bat following captain Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal and joined an in-form Ishan Kishan in the middle.

The pair added a crucial 94 runs, putting India firmly in control.

Kishan was the leading scorer with a blistering 81 off 44 balls, while Tilak provided the acceleration with his unbeaten 60.

Tilak credited Kishan’s aggressive approach for helping him settle into his innings.

“I just held my shape, and I was backing myself. I got those few good boundaries, and from there I just kept going,” Tilak said.

He also praised Kishan’s intent from the beginning, saying the left-hander’s attacking batting was “tremendous to watch.”

Shreyas Iyer’s Cameo Also Crucial

Tilak also highlighted the importance of Shreyas Iyer’s 25-run contribution.

Although the Indian captain couldn’t convert his start into a bigger innings, Tilak believes his cameo helped maintain the momentum before Kishan and Tilak launched their assault.

“Small cameo from Iyer was also important for the team. From there, I just wanted to maintain that momentum throughout the overs,” Tilak explained.

India eventually posted a massive total before their bowlers completely overwhelmed the Zimbabwe batting line-up.

Tilak Varma Working Hard on His Bowling

Tilak’s contribution wasn’t restricted to batting.

The 23-year-old dismissed Ryan Burl and conceded only nine runs from his two overs.

More importantly, Tilak revealed that he is putting significant effort into developing his bowling and wants to regularly contribute two or three overs for India.

“I’m working really hard on my bowling. If you give two overs or three overs for the team, it really helps,” he said.

Tilak believes becoming a reliable bowling option could provide India with greater flexibility in their team combination.

“Going forward, my aim is to give the team at least two or three overs because it really helps the combination,” he added.

India Seal Series With Dominant Victory

India completed an emphatic victory by bowling Zimbabwe out for 129, sealing the match by 90 runs.

Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 17 as Zimbabwe’s chase collapsed.

The result gave India an unbeatable 2-0 advantage with one match remaining and, importantly, ended their recent run of disappointing T20I series results.

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Former India batter and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised concerns over India’s lack of genuine pace-bowling all-rounders as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Hardik Pandya currently working towards regaining peak fitness, India have experimented with several alternatives, including Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and even fast bowler Harshit Rana.

However, Srikkanth believes none of those options can currently provide the balance Hardik brings to the Indian side.

Hardik Pandya Working Towards Peak Fitness

Hardik is reportedly undergoing a “performance block” programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as part of his preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The BCCI is reportedly unwilling to rush the star all-rounder back into action and wants him fully fit for the marquee tournament.

Hardik’s ability to contribute as a middle-order batter while also providing crucial overs of pace makes him an important part of India’s ODI combination.

Srikkanth Questions India’s All-Round Options

In Hardik’s absence, India have experimented with Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Harshit Rana has also been considered for a similar role because of his batting potential.

Srikkanth, however, believes India currently have only one genuine pace-bowling all-rounder.

Speaking on Star Sports, the former India selector said Hardik remains the team’s only complete all-round option. He described Nitish as the next-best alternative who could bat at No. 7 and contribute a few overs.

He was far less convinced about Dube and Harshit being considered genuine all-rounders.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Could Be Hardik’s Back-Up

Srikkanth’s assessment puts Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of India’s other potential alternatives.

Reddy’s ability to bat in the lower-middle order and contribute with the ball gives India flexibility, although Srikkanth believes he is still some distance away from offering the complete package Hardik provides.

Finding a reliable back-up could become increasingly important as India plan their squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Srikkanth Questions Ravindra Jadeja’s Exclusion

Srikkanth also questioned why veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja appears to have fallen out of India’s ODI plans.

He described Jadeja as a “silent killer” and argued that his performances warrant continued consideration.

Jadeja has not announced his retirement from ODI cricket, and Srikkanth believes he should remain in the selectors’ plans if his performances justify selection.

He also highlighted Jadeja’s contribution during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and his ability to produce match-winning performances.

India’s All-Rounder Puzzle Ahead of 2027 World Cup

The situation leaves India with an important selection question ahead of the World Cup.

Hardik remains a unique player because of his combination of power-hitting and seam bowling. Keeping him fit could therefore be crucial to India’s plans.

At the same time, developing alternatives such as Nitish could provide valuable insurance should Hardik face further fitness issues.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India’s management will have to determine not only Hardik’s workload but also which players can provide the right balance around him.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to conduct a review of the Indian cricket team’s recent white-ball performances following disappointing tours of Ireland and England.

The review meeting is expected to take place in August and will also examine the contracts of some members of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will assess India’s recent white-ball results, with particular attention expected to be given to the heavy setbacks suffered in Ireland and England.

India’s Poor Run in Ireland and England

India endured a difficult period after their World Cup success earlier this year.

The team suffered its first-ever series defeat against Ireland, losing both T20Is in Belfast.

Things did not improve significantly in England.

Under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, India lost four matches in the five-game T20I series, while the remaining contest was abandoned.

It represented a dramatic change in fortunes for a team that had recently been enjoying considerable success in the shortest format.

India Also Lose ODI Series Against England

India’s struggles extended into the ODI series.

With Shubman Gill leading the side, India managed one victory but eventually lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 to Harry Brook’s England.

The performances in Ireland and England are expected to form a major part of the BCCI’s upcoming review.

India have since responded positively in Zimbabwe, where they have already secured the ongoing T20I series.

Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff to Be Reviewed

The BCCI review will not be restricted to the players and results.

Contracts of a couple of members of Gambhir’s support staff are also expected to be discussed.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly requested to be released from his duties after completing his initial two-year contract.

There is a possibility that the BCCI could accept his request.

T Dilip’s Position Under Scrutiny

Fielding coach T Dilip could also come under scrutiny.

India’s catching and overall fielding standards during the UK tour attracted criticism, making that department another potential area of discussion during the review.

There is currently no confirmation regarding whether the BCCI intends to make a change.

The review, however, could determine the composition of Gambhir’s coaching team going forward.

India Squad for Sri Lanka Tests to Be Picked Tuesday

Alongside the white-ball review, attention will soon turn towards India’s upcoming Test assignment against Sri Lanka.

The squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka is expected to be selected on Tuesday, with the selection meeting likely to take place virtually.

India will play the opening Test in Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

The squad is expected to remain largely similar to the group that faced Afghanistan in June.

Jasprit Bumrah Fitness a Major Talking Point

One of the biggest selection decisions concerns Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s premier fast bowler is recovering from the knee problem that kept him out of the third ODI against England.

Bumrah is considered likely to be selected if his recovery progresses as expected.

Mohammed Siraj, who led India’s pace attack against Afghanistan in Bumrah’s absence, is also expected to retain his place.

Will Auqib Nabi Finally Get His Opportunity?

Another interesting selection discussion could surround Auqib Nabi.

The pacer finished as the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season, putting himself firmly in contention for national selection.

Whether the selectors reward his domestic performances with a place in the Sri Lanka Test squad will be one of the key developments to watch.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Doubtful for Sri Lanka Tests

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to be selected for the Sri Lanka Test series.

Reddy has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a quadriceps injury last month.

Although he has resumed bowling, the five-day matches against Sri Lanka are reportedly expected to come too soon in his recovery process.

The all-rounder is instead being targeted for a return during India’s white-ball assignments in September.

Reddy last represented India in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai in June.

Important Few Weeks Ahead for Team India

The coming weeks could therefore bring several important decisions for Indian cricket.

The BCCI must assess what went wrong during the Ireland and England tours, determine the future of members of Gambhir’s coaching staff and simultaneously finalise the Test squad for Sri Lanka.

With Bumrah’s fitness, Nitish’s rehabilitation and Auqib Nabi’s potential selection also on the agenda, both the review and selection meetings could have significant implications for India’s immediate future.

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India have reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings after securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions moved back above England, who had previously taken the top position following their dominant 4-0 T20I series victory over India.

India’s return to the summit comes after two convincing performances against Zimbabwe, with the bowlers setting up victory in the opening game before the batting unit took centre stage in the second T20I.

India Bounce Back After Difficult England Series

India entered the Zimbabwe tour under pressure following a disappointing run of results.

England had taken advantage of India’s struggles by completing a 4-0 T20I series victory and replacing them at the top of the rankings.

However, Shreyas Iyer’s side responded strongly in Harare.

India comfortably won the opening T20I before producing another commanding all-round performance in the second match to seal the series with one game remaining.

Ishan Kishan Leads India’s Batting Charge

India suffered an early setback in the second T20I after losing two wickets, but Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer quickly steadied the innings.

The pair added 66 runs, ensuring Zimbabwe couldn’t capitalise on their early breakthroughs.

Kishan went on to play the biggest innings of the match, smashing 81 from 44 deliveries.

His knock provided the foundation for India to build a massive total.

Speaking after the match, Kishan explained that his priority after the early wickets was to assess the conditions and build a partnership rather than immediately chasing an enormous score.

Tilak Varma Smashes 60 From 29 Balls

Tilak Varma then provided another major acceleration through the middle and latter stages of the innings.

The left-hander struck a brilliant 60 from only 29 balls, giving India’s innings the momentum required to move beyond the 200-run mark.

His aggressive knock, combined with Kishan’s 81, helped India post a formidable target of 220 runs.

The performance was particularly encouraging for Tilak after questions had been raised about his recent T20I form and effectiveness through the middle overs.

Zimbabwe Collapse Under Huge Chase

Zimbabwe needed a near-perfect batting performance to chase down the target, but India’s bowlers quickly ended their hopes.

The hosts lost five wickets inside the opening nine overs, leaving the middle and lower order with an almost impossible recovery job.

Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 129, handing India a comprehensive 90-run victory.

The result gave India an unbeatable 2-0 advantage in the three-match series.

India Reclaim ICC T20I No.1 Ranking

The back-to-back victories were enough for India to regain the top position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.

It represents an important turnaround after their difficult series against England.

India’s young squad has also produced several encouraging individual performances during the Zimbabwe tour, giving the team management additional options as they continue shaping the side for future T20I assignments.

India Eye Series Clean Sweep

With the series already secured, India will now have an opportunity to complete a 3-0 clean sweep.

The final T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played in Harare on July 26.

India could also use the dead rubber to test their bench strength, particularly with captain Shreyas Iyer indicating that changes could be considered for the final match.

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Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is expected to be one of the biggest talking points when India announce their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next week.

India will begin the Test series in Galle on August 15, with the second match scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23.

Bumrah is currently recovering after suffering an impact injury to his left knee during India’s recent ODI series against England.

Bumrah Recovering From Left Knee Injury

Bumrah missed the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s after experiencing reactive swelling in his left knee following an impact injury.

His recovery is now being closely monitored ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.

According to a PTI report, there is optimism that the time available before the opening Test could be sufficient for Bumrah to recover.

India, however, are expected to travel to Sri Lanka considerably earlier.

The squad is scheduled to arrive by August 4 and play a four-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo as part of their preparations.

Whether Bumrah will be fit enough to travel with the rest of the squad in the first week of August remains uncertain.

Ravindra Jadeja Set for Test Return

While Bumrah’s availability remains under observation, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return to the Shubman Gill-led Test side.

Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball could become particularly valuable on Sri Lankan surfaces, where spin is traditionally a major factor.

The veteran all-rounder was not selected for India’s recent three-match ODI series against England, which India lost 2-1.

His return would provide India with additional experience and greater flexibility in their Test combination.

Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh Could Lead Pace Attack

If Bumrah receives medical clearance, India’s pace department could feature a strong combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The selectors will nevertheless have to consider Bumrah’s workload and recovery before making a final decision.

Given his importance across formats, India are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the fast bowler if there are lingering fitness concerns.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Lead Spin Attack

India are expected to travel with several spin options considering the conditions in Sri Lanka.

Kuldeep Yadav could lead the specialist spin department, with Manav Suthar another strong candidate following his impressive Test debut against Afghanistan.

Suthar’s left-arm spin could provide India with another useful option if the pitches offer significant assistance to the slower bowlers.

Washington Sundar Also in Contention

Washington Sundar is another player likely to feature in the selection discussions.

Washington strengthened his case with a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur.

His batting ability also gives India the option of playing an additional spinner without significantly weakening the lower order.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is expected to remain among India’s back-up spin options.

With Jadeja returning and Kuldeep, Suthar and Washington competing for places, India could have several combinations available depending on conditions in Galle and Colombo.

India Await Final Update on Bumrah

For now, much of the attention will remain on Bumrah.

With approximately three weeks between his injury and the start of the Test series, India will hope their premier fast bowler can complete his recovery without complications.

His availability could significantly influence the balance of India’s playing XI, particularly in a Test series where both pace with the new ball and high-quality spin are expected to play important roles.

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