Ajinkya Rahane Eyes IPL Playoffs With KKR and Test Comeback With Team India

Ajinkya Rahane, captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a vital cog in their campaign to reach the IPL 2025 playoffs. With 297 runs in 10 matches at a striking rate of 149, Rahane is the franchise’s top scorer this season. Despite the intense pressure of leading the defending champions, Rahane remains focused and optimistic.

Speaking during a Star Sports press interaction, Rahane said, “Every game from here is a must-win for us. We’re taking it one match at a time, and right now, our full focus is on Rajasthan.” KKR faces a tough route to the playoffs, needing to win all four of their remaining fixtures against RR, CSK, SRH, and RCB.

The team will play two of these matches at Eden Gardens, a venue Rahane has come to cherish. “Even though some of the teams we’re facing are out of contention, they are still dangerous. We need to show up with intent and composure.”

Test Comeback Still on Rahane’s Radar

At 36, Rahane continues to nurture the dream of a return to India‘s Test squad. His last comeback came in 2023 for the WTC final after a stellar domestic season, and he believes the same formula could work again.

Leading Mumbai across formats, Rahane has stacked up 467 runs in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 53 and topped the charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 469 runs at a blazing strike rate of 164. “The fire and hunger are still there. I love the game, and every morning I wake up thinking about the goals I want to achieve,” he remarked.

Rahane also underlined his commitment to staying fit, emphasizing diet and conditioning as keys to extending his playing career. “Fitness-wise, I am right up there. I’m doing everything I can to keep performing and stay ready.”

Focus on Performance, Not Points Table

With KKR walking a tightrope, Rahane is keeping his team grounded. “We’re not thinking about what other teams are doing. Qualification will take care of itself if we focus on our own performances,” he said. “The way we played against Delhi, as a unit, that’s the standard we want to maintain.”

Rahane’s leadership, calm under pressure, and consistent batting form have given KKR fans hope. More than that, his resurgence is also drawing attention from national selectors, especially with a crucial England tour looming for India.

Whether Rahane makes it back to the Indian Test side remains to be seen, but his IPL form and fighting spirit have certainly reignited the conversation.

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