Ajinkya Rahane | Top 10 Facts About India's Iconic Batter

A star of the international arena for well over a decade, he needs no introduction - but here’s ten facts you may not know about Ajinkya Rahane and his glittering career to date.

1)     World Record Holder:

World records seem to be a theme following Foxes players at the moment, but Ajinkya holds one of his own. His eight catches against Sri Lanka in Galle during India’s 2015 tour is a Test record. He snared three in the first innings, before he continued his sharp slip catching with five in the second to write himself into the history books.

2)     Black Belt:

As well as a highly decorated cricketer, Ajinkya also holds a black belt in Judo. The youngest in his training centre, he earned his first black belt at the age of 12, and has credited karate training to enhancing his flexibility, fitness and mental toughness on the cricket field.

3)     Warne’s Wisdom:

Interestingly, Ajinkya has two nicknames. His family and friends refer to him as Ajju, stemming from his Mumbai roots, but Jinks/Jinx originated from a fellow cricketing icon. During his stint with Rajasthan Royals, Australian legend Shane Warne started referring to Ajinkya as 'Jinks' - a nickname by which he is known in the Indian dressing room.

4)     Unbeaten Streak:

When Ajinkya tons up for his country, they don’t lose. The 36-year-old has made 15 international centuries, with India going on to win 12 and draw three of those matches. Let’s hope he can bring that lucky charm to Leicestershire.

5)     IPL Record Breaker:

Another record claimed by Ajinkya. He was the first batsman to hit six fours in an over of an IPL match. He achieved the feat in 2012, hitting Sreenath Arvind of Royal Challengers Bangalore to the ropes in six consecutive deliveries en route to his maiden IPL century. Only Prithvi Shaw has emulated the achievement since.

6)     Debut Ton:

Ajinkya’s introduction to first-class cricket was certainly spectacular. At just 19-years-old, he made an instant impression, scoring 143 for Mumbai on his maiden first-class appearance. The first of 51 career centuries to date.

7)     Twin Century Maker:

On the subject of hundreds, Ajinkya completed a very special accomplishment when he became just the fifth Indian to hit centuries in each innings of a Test match in 2015. Playing at home to South Africa, he scored 127 and 100* as India won by 337 runs.

8)     Foxes Friends:

One of the hardest parts about moving to a new club is having to learn everyone’s name. For Ajinkya, he’ll already know a few faces having spent part of the 2019 season with Hampshire.

The Indian star would’ve worked under then-Bowling Coach, Alfonso Thomas, and played alongside Ian Holland “ while Tom Scriven and Scott Currie would also have been coming through the ranks.

9)     Debut With Dravid:

Ajinkya debuted in the international arena alongside some pretty famous faces. At Old Trafford in August 2011, he stepped out alongside India legend Rahul Dravid, who was also making his T20I debut.

Ajinkya top scored after smashing 61 off 39 balls to announce his arrival, putting up 65 for the second wicket with India’s current Head Coach. Jos Buttler and Alex Hales debuted for England, who won the match by six wickets.

10)  IPL Crown:

After 15 seasons in the Indian Premier League without lifting the trophy, Ajinkya made the move to Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and tasted instant success.

He scored 326 runs at 32.6, while striking at a whopping 172.49, as he hit top form to secure his maiden IPL title.

To watch Ajinkya in action for Leicestershire this summer, click HERE.