Is Ajinkya Rahane targeting big cricket players with his PR dig?

After being dropped from the Indian Test team following the 2023 World Test Championship final, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his frustration over the lack of communication from the selectors and team management. Rahane, who had been a key performer for India in overseas conditions, was not informed about his exclusion despite his good form in domestic cricket and the IPL.

In an interview with Indian Express, Rahane explained that he expected a call-up for India’s next series after the WTC final but was left out without any explanation. He added that although many advised him to approach the selectors, he could not do so as they were not willing to communicate. He said:

When I was dropped a few years ago, I made runs and was picked for the World Test Championship final and then was dropped again. But what is in my control? To play. I did well in domestic cricket and in the IPL and was called again. Whenever an experienced player makes a comeback, one knows that he will get 2-3 series. I knew that South Africa was a challenging series and I was expecting a call, but I wasn’t picked. I felt bad because I have been serving for so long.

Rahane also shared that he does not have a PR team, unlike many other players who use such teams to maintain visibility. He said:

I was always shy, now I have opened up. My focus has been to play cricket and go home. Nobody told me that going ahead, certain things will be needed. Today also, sometimes I feel ki bas cricket khelo, ghar jao. Now I am told I need to speak up, talk about my hard work. People say you need to be in the news … I don’t have a PR team, my only PR is my cricket. I have now realized that staying in the news is important. Otherwise, people think that I’m out of the circle.

Instead, he believes his cricket performance is his best public relations tool. Despite his form dip, Rahane recently scored a century in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, marking a significant achievement in his career.