Delhi: Team India’s veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane on Sunday expressed disappointment over being ignored for India’s 2024-25 Australia tour. According to the news published in The Print Hindi, Rahane says that age should not be made a criterion in national selection, but experience and performance should be given importance.

Rahane is currently playing for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. He batted brilliantly against Chhattisgarh and scored 159 runs in 303 balls with the help of 21 fours. However, he still regrets not being able to play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which India lost 3-2.

“Age is just a number” – Rahane

The 37-year-old Rahane said, “Age is just a number. If a player has experience, is playing domestic cricket and is giving his best, then the selectors should consider him. It is not a matter of age, but of intention and passion. The enthusiasm to play red-ball cricket and hard work on the field is what really matters.”

gave the example of michael hussey

Giving the example of former Australian batsman Michael Hussey, Rahane said, “Michael Hussey made his debut in Australia in his late 30s and scored a lot of runs. Experience plays an important role in red-ball cricket. I personally felt that the team needed me on the Australia tour.”

Gave historic victory in 2020-21

Under the leadership of Rahane, India registered a historic victory in 2020-21 by defeating Australia 2-1 on its own soil. He made a comeback to Test cricket in 2023 through the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, after which he played against West Indies, which was his last Test.

“Lack of communication was the biggest disappointment”

Rahane said that the lack of communication after being dropped from the team disappointed him. He said, “After playing so many matches for the Indian team, I felt that I should have got more opportunities after my return, but no one talked to me. I had done my best preparation and I was fully prepared for the Australia tour.”

“Playing domestic cricket is my duty”

Rahane said that he is fulfilling the condition of the selection committee, in which all the players have been asked to play domestic cricket in their free time. He said, “I have been playing domestic cricket continuously for the last four-five seasons. Selection should not be based only on runs or statistics, but also on experience and intention. When you play in Australia, England or South Africa, experience is very useful there.”

“Rohit and Virat are proving that age does not matter”

Rahane finally gave the example of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and said, “Both have proved that age is just a number. They have led many memorable victories for India. In such a situation, the presence of experienced players like them in the team is very important.”