Batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who is out of the Indian team, has increased the concerns of the selectors before the upcoming domestic season of Indian cricket. The right-handed batsman said that state associations should appoint selectors who are former or recently retired players from their respective states in domestic cricket.
Rahane last played competitive cricket for three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 edition of the tournament. The experienced batsman failed to take the team to the playoffs. He scored 390 runs in 12 innings at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147.72, which included three fifties.
Ajinkya Rahane shares his views on domestic cricket selectors
In a conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane said that recently retired domestic cricketers should be appointed as selectors. He said the selectors must keep pace with the modern game and decisions must reflect the demands of modern cricket.
Ajinkya Rahane said, “I want to talk about the selectors, especially in domestic cricket. I believe that the selectors, wherever possible, should be individuals from all states who have recently played or retired in the last 5-7 years.”
He said, “The game is evolving, and it is important for the mindset and approach of the selectors to match the current pace of cricket. We do not want to make decisions based on how cricket was played 20-30 years ago. With formats like T20 and IPL, it is important to understand the style of modern cricket players.”
Ajinkya Rahane last played for Team India in 2023
Ajinkya Rahane made his Test debut in 2013 against Australia in Delhi. The right-handed batsman has played 85 Tests for India, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Rahane has also captained the Indian team to victory in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which is a major milestone in his career.
Rahane has been out of the team for almost two years. He last played a Test match for India in 2023 against West Indies in Port of Spain. Even after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this batsman was not selected for the England tour.
Cheteshwar Pujara announced retirement from Indian cricket in August
Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket on 24 August. He made his Test debut in 2010 after impressive performances in domestic cricket and played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
Pujara last featured in India’s Test team during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia and also played five ODIs in 2013–14, but enjoyed limited success.
The veteran batsman played a key role in India’s consecutive Test series wins in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21, earning the Player of the Series award in the first win.
Pujara was also a key figure in India’s Test dominance during the 2010s, helping the team achieve runners-up finishes in the 2021 and 2023 WTC cycles.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship points table, WTC table after IND vs WI 2nd Test 2025
