"I’m Really Excited to Play for Leicestershire": Ajinkya Rahane Exclusive Interview

Seldom does a signing generate as much excitement as that of India star Ajinkya Rahane. Even four months out from his potential Leicestershire debut, the buzz around Uptonsteel County Ground is palpable. And, four and a half thousand miles away, the former India captain insists the feeling is mutual.

“I’m really excited to play for Leicestershire,” he told Foxes TV. “I’ve played a few matches at the home ground [Uptonsteel County Ground] with the Indian team but now I’m really lucky to be able to play for Leicestershire.”

Rahane, who is set to link up with his new teammates in early June, will taste county cricket for a second time, following a seven-game spell with Hampshire in 2019. It’s an opportunity the Mumbai skipper is relishing.

“As a batter you always want to do well in England. Conditions are challenging, but you learn so many things playing county cricket. When you play international cricket, everything is taken care of. [At county level] there are different kind of responsibilities, preparations, as well as how to conduct yourself. That’s what I learnt at Hampshire.”

It was during his time on the south coast that Rahane met now Foxes Assistant Coach, Alfonso Thomas. It’s a connection that proved integral in attracting the India international to Grace Road.

“I know Alfonso Thomas from my time at Hampshire. When he moved to Leicestershire we were talking and I told him I was looking to play county cricket again. He said ‘are you interested to play for Leicestershire?’ I said ‘yes, I would love to.’ That’s how it started.”

Despite averaging 58.93 in first-class cricket this season, the versatile batsman has been left out of India’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash with Australia “ a series he famously won as captain Down Under in 2021. His omission across the past 12 months has fuelled part of the motivation for his move to the East Midlands.

“My aim is to do well in England. To play well for Leicestershire first, and if I do I’m sure I’ll be back with the Indian team,” he says with a brimming grin. “But I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team on and off the field.”

Rahane’s signature strengthens a competitive batting lineup that will also house the likes of Wiaan Mulder, Colin Ackermann, Rehan Ahmed, and skipper Lewis Hill for the 2023 season. However, with 192 appearances for his country at the highest level, the 34-year-old promises to be on hand to lend words of wisdom when the time is right.

“Whenever my teammates ask me, my opinions will always be there. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t talk too much, but I observe the game and every situation on the field. Whenever someone wants to ask something, I’ll always be there to help them.”

Despite his vast experience, which has seen the ex-India captain accumulate just shy of 25,000 career runs, it’s testament to Rahane’s elite temperament that he is still eager to acquire new knowledge.

“My only thing is I should always keep learning, and the learning process will never stop. I’m sure I’ll get to learn a lot of things from my teammates at Leicestershire. I’ll obviously share my experiences with them but it’s a great learning opportunity for me as well.”

Rahane’s signature is a clear indication of the Foxes’ ambition for the season ahead. With Ahmed, Mulder, Ackermann, Hill, Wright, Parkinson et al primed to play alongside one of India’s greats, the belief that this could be Leicestershire’s year has justifiable merit.

To watch Foxes TV’s exclusive interview with Ajinkya Rahane, click HERE.

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