India's most admired cricketer Ajinkya Rahane recently shared his views regarding the contribution of public relations (PR) towards a player's career. Rahane conceded that he had all along relied upon his cricket skills as his single biggest way to remain in the limelight. For him, his on-field performances were good enough to stay in the headlines. Yet, with the passage of time, he realized that cricket alone wasn't enough. Being in the news and staying close to the media is part of a cricketer's life these days to stay popular.
For him, his performances on the field had always been enough to keep him in the limelight. But slowly, he has understood that being a cricketer is not enough. Maintaining oneself in the limelight and keeping the media at bay is the secret to keeping a cricketer's position in today's world.Rahane's observation helps in pointing out how the nature of a cricketer's career changes. Players by not communicating directly with the media and people run the risk of being overlooked by the general public, yet their cricket continues to be of the highest level.

Ajinkya Rahane said - "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 realised that staying in the news is important. Otherwise, people think that I'm out of the circle". (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/KveXd0iNhI

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 17, 2025

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Rahane thought for PR Importance :

In today's world, where media houses and social networking websites dominate the scene, sportspersons have to look beyond their sporting abilities to stay in the limelight. While others would prefer to keep a low profile, some use their PR departments to manage their image and relationship with the public.The existence of social media, web content, and constant media coverage means that players simply cannot remain quiet off the field any longer. While their performances on the field are as precious as ever, staying connected to the fans and having an image around themselves is as important today. For Rahane, an acceptance of this reality is one of the biggest insights into modern cricketing times.

Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane played a very good innings and scored a hundred in his Quarter-final match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Haryana. Batted very sensibly to reach his 41st first-class ton off a mere 160 balls with as many as 12 fours in the inning, which suggests Mumbai would be well-positioned throughout the game and hints Rahane was an expert in his trade with a lot of experience. 

A Crucial Performance by Mumbai
Mumbai was in a must-win situation and Rahane reached his century at the right time. Mumbai was in need of seniors to perform and Rahane did what was required at the top of his department. His calm and composure under pressure ensured that Mumbai trounced Haryana in the match

To BCCI Selectors
With that wonderful century Rahane has done you smell, BCCI selectors get back to the drawing board in terms of considering him fit for bigger tallers. Ahead of the India vs England Test series, the performance of Rahane might be of interest to national team selectors.

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HUNDRED FOR AJINKYA RAHANE..!!!! 🌟

- He smashed a brilliant Hundred from 160 balls for Mumbai in this Ranji Trophy Quarterfinal. pic.twitter.com/S5Jl8gwOY3

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 11, 2025

A little about Rahane's Test Experience
Ajinkya Rahane has been a notable player for the Indian Test team for some years now He has performed excellently and he is playing game-changing innings, his heart-burning centuries in Australia and England mainly. The nature of his batting style helps him to do well whenever it really matters 

Is Rahane Coming Back to Team India?
The Test series against England will begin in June 2026 and last until August 2025, with five matches. It is obvious, that the selectors are looking for a few more experienced players who can adapt to favorable conditions. Rahane, with his form in the Ranji trophy, is further strengthening his case for a national comeback. His selection would provide India's middle order some depth and consistency.

Two of the top Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane missed out on centuries in an exhilarating series of Ranji Trophy. In both cases, fans will be thrilled by the amazing skill and determination that had fans on the edge of their seats for another knock.

Cheteshwar Pujara Century Close Call:

Saurashtra star batter Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for 99 runs when his side faced Assam in Niranjan Shah Stadium Rajkot. He continued to bat for Pujara who went on to make a fine innings scoring 167 and striking 10 fours. Pujara's score was crucial in also propelled Saurashtra to set a big target for the opposition, Than being just a run short of a century.
Saurashtra was well placed at the end of Day 1 on 361/3 thanks largely to Pujara, done us all proud. He is a let-down to fall short of a century but the performances he has given have shown we can rely on him and anchor the innings. The 67th first-class century of his illustrious career is a telling testament to how long Cheteshwar Pujara has played.

ALSO READ:Watch:Virat Kohli dismissed by Himanshu Sangwan in Today's ranji Trophy match vs Railway

Ajinkya Rahane inches close to a century

Meanwhile, The captain of Mumbai Ajinkya Rahane also got a near-century in their Meghalaya match. Starting the day at 83, the overnight score was looking pretty straightforward for Rahane with just 13 runs more he was on the course of 100. he was out for 96. Rahane’s inning was among the best so far this season for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy and in fact his first half-century of the tournament.

Rahane was pivotal in Mumbai’s progress with the bat, he took care of leading his team and giving a good performance. His classy batting and knack of scoring runs under pressure is something that always makes Rahane one of the prime players for Mumbai. Rahane didn't get past the milestone with this one, but it was still massively important.

Pujara missed his century by 1 run
Rahane missed his century by 4 runs
Kohli missed his century by 94 runs💔 pic.twitter.com/Hvwl0tWyBd

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 31, 2025

Rahane's No-Ball Controversy at MCA BKC Ground

On January 24th, in the middle of Mumbai's second innings at the MCA BKC Ground, Ajinkya Rahane got caught up . One second, everyone thought he was out, caught by Jammu & Kashmir's wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan. But then, unexpectedly, he wasn't. Right after he walked off to the pavilion, and Shardul Thakur walked out to replace him, the umpires, S Ravi and Navdeep Singh Sidhu, called a no-ball thrown by Umar Nazir.

This was during the first ball of the 25th over, and it threw everything into confusion. Shardul Thakur, who had just become used to being on the field, was told to pause, and a short time later, to head back. For a short moment, it looked as if Rahane was running out of time to come back. Even the people commentating on the game thought so and said it might be happening.

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Ajinkya Rahane was given Out and he left ground and umpires called him back from dug out and Shardul was in the ground and sent back to the dressing room. Have you ever seen that a player called from dug out after he left field. #RanjiTrophy #AjinkyaRahane @BCCIdomestic @BCCI pic.twitter.com/LH3a8vtilo

— Manoj Yadav (@csmanoj21) January 24, 2025

But then, Rahane simply walks back onto the field, and Thakur has to step down, leaving everyone confused. What's even more surprising is that the no ball that caused all of the aforementioned conflict wasn't even shown on JioCinema, where the game was being streamed live. When asked, the Staff at the BKC ground mentioned they didn't have the footage, but the third umpire had considered this.

The third umpire, Nitin Goel, also the match referee, said the mix-up was due to a communication error. Mister Goel was saying, I was trying to get through to the umpire with a walkie-talkie, but we were not on the same channel, which delayed things a bit. Apparently, Rahane was also signaling that no one told him to wait. Goel was sure it was a no ball and said there's no debate.

Yet, after things calm down, one may be satisfied when the truth comes to light, even in situations filled with unpredictability and doubt. Mumbai was behind by 86 runs and in a tight spot at 91 for 6, working very hard not to be defeated by a big score. Rahane got another try but it didn't last long. Only two overs after, Umar Nazir, the same bowler, got him out. Paras Dogra from Jammu & Kashmir pulled off an amazing catch in the covers to send him back. Before saying Rahane was definitely out, the umpires stopped the game again to see if it was a no-ball.

Mumbai create new T20 cricket history after openers Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane’s thrashing start and Suryansh Shedge’s fiery finish in the high-scoring chase of the SMAT 2024-25 quarter-final against Vidarbha.

After Mumbai chose to field first, Vidarbha scored 221/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Mumbai chased the target in 19.2 overs after losing four wickets. 

See Also: Smriti Mandhana creates history with her fourth WODI century in 2024

Vidarbha had two half-centuries before Shubham Dubey's fiery batting

Vidarbha openers Atharva Taide and Karun Nair provided a solid start with a 60-run opening partnership before Nair lost his wicket for 26 runs in the sixth over. While the opener Taide scored 66 off 41 balls (10 fours and one six), the no.4 batter Apoorv Wankhade scored 51 off 33 balls (two fours and three sixes). They had an 81-run partnership for the third wicket. Later, Shubham Dubey fired up with 43 not out off 19 balls with three fours and three sixes.  

Among the Mumbai bowlers, Atharva Ankolekar (2/32) and Suryansh Shedge (2/36) took two wickets each while Tanush Kotian (1/19) got a wicket. 

Shaw and Rahane started strongly before Dube and Shedge's outstanding finishing

Mumbai openers Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane started the chase in a dominant way. The openers had an 83-run partnership for the first wicket before Shaw was dismissed for 49 off 26 balls with five fours and four sixes. 

Rahane continued his strong batting performances despite the captain Shreyas Iyer (5) and Suryakumar Yadav (9) losing their wickets cheaply. When Rahane was dismissed in the 16th over, Mumbai scored 157/4, and they still required 65 runs in 29 balls. 

Rahane scored 84 off 45 balls with the help of 10 fours and three sixes. The right-handed batter completed his 47th T20 half-century in 27 balls. It was his fourth 50+ score in his last five T20 innings (52, 68, 22, 95, and 84). 

Shivam Dube and Suryansh Shedge slammed the opponent bowlers and comfortably chased the giant target. While Dube scored 37 not out off 22 balls (one four and two sixes), Shedge scored 36 not out off just 12 balls (one four and four sixes).

Highest successful chase in a T20 knockout stage

It was the highest successful chase in a knockout match in T20 cricket history. The previous record was successfully chasing the 210-run target by Karachi Dolphins against Rawalpindi Rams at Lahore during the semi-final of the Faysal Bank T-20 Cup 2010-11.  

Meanwhile, it was also the joint third-highest successful chase for a team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history. 

As per growing speculation, Mumbai's Ranji Trophy captain Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as a potential candidate to lead the KKR franchise in the IPL 2025 season. The 36-year-old was omitted from the leadership position from his domestic Mumbai side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

However, given his experience at the highest level, Rahane's leadership capabilities are still held in high regard.

See also: Suryakumar Yadav ready to play in SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy

Speculation around Rahane leading the Kolkata Knight Riders

Rahane was bought by the KKR for an impressive amount of Rs 1.5 crore in the Jeddah mega-auction. From what we understand from a source in TOI, Rahane is being considered over Venkatesh Iyer as a viable captaincy candidate for the three-time IPL champions. 

"Yes, at the moment it's 90% confirmed that Ajinkya will be the new KKR captain. He was bought by KKR specifically for the purpose of being a viable captaincy option."

If this development becomes a reality, then it would surely be seen as a surprising move from the Shahrukh Khan-owned KKR since the franchise was vying to appoint the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as a captain initially who was bought for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore in the mega auction.

Rahane was previously removed as the Mumbai captain in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament as the MCA preferred to have the in-form Shreyas Iyer for the job instead. However, it will be an ironic turnaround for Rahane if he becomes the captain of KKR, and while doing so he will replace Shreyas in the process who led the Kolkata-based outfit to the title last year. 

Rahane is no longer a part of the Indian setup across formats but under his leadership, the national side went on to achieve some significant milestones that are still etched in the chapters of India's glorious cricket history. 

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the 16-member Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25 on Tuesday (September 24). The former Indian Test vice-captain has been selected as the captain of the Mumbai team. 

Like most of the previous years, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions will start the first-class cricket season with the Irani Cup, where they will face the Rest of India. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow will host this match from October 1. Last season, Mumbai extended their most Ranji Trophy titles record by winning it 42nd time. 

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Mumbai previously won the Irani Cup in 1997/98

It will be the first time for Mumbai to compete in the Irani Cup since 2016/17. The last time they played the Irani Cup was in the 2015/16 season, where they lost by four wickets. 

The Rest of India have won the Irani Cup for record times, 30 times. They have won all the last three Irani Cups. Meanwhile, out of participating 29 times, Mumbai have recorded 14 Irani Cup successes, the second most successful team in the Irani Cup history. 

The last time Mumbai won the Irani Cup was in the 1997/98 season. Under the leadership of Sanjay Manjrekar, Mumbai won that match by 53 runs. 

Ajinkya Rahane will lead Mumbai in the Irani Cup 

Former Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who led the Indian team in 11 international matches (six Tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is), will lead the Mumbai team in the upcoming Irani Cup. 

Prithvi Shaw, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur have been named in the 16-member Mumbai squad. 

The Irani Cup 2024/25 will start on the last scheduled day of the Kanpur Test. So, the players in the Indian team squad are unable to participate in the Irani Cup. However, if Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube are released from the Indian Test team, they can join the Mumbai team for the Irani Cup.  

According to the latest BCCI report, Sarfaraz Khan has been released from the Indian squad to be available for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.            

Meanwhile, the MCA also announced the 25-member probable Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024/25. 

Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias

Probable Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias, Harsh Tanna, Prasad Pawar (wk), Shashank Attarde, Karsh Kothari, Atharva Ankolekar, Jay Bista, Saksham Jha

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has signed to play in the second half of the county season with Leicestershire. He will be available for the One-Day Cup and five County Championship matches as well.

Rahane, however, was about to join Leicestershire last summer too before getting a recall to India’s Test team for the World Test Championship final as well. He then joined the Indian team and subsequently did not play for the county last year.

“We are thrilled to welcome someone of Ajinkya’s quality to Leicestershire,” Claude Henderson, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, said. “It was unfortunate that Ajinkya’s schedule didn’t quite work with ours last year, but it’s a massive boost to have secured his services for the business end of this season.”

“He holds immense experience and vital leadership qualities, which will be hugely beneficial to the team alongside his run-scoring ability. Ajinkya’s arrival also presents a fantastic opportunity for our batters to learn from one of the game’s best,” he further added.

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However, Ajinkya Rahane played both of India’s Tests last July but has not featured in the team since then. He has scored more than 13,000 runs in first-class cricket, which came at an average of 45.76, and another 6475 at 39.72 in List A as well.

Meanwhile, his arrival in mid-July will help the team amid the expected departure of South Africa allrounder Wiaan Mulder on international duty as well. This move will also help strengthen Leicestershire’s defence of the One-Day Cup that they memorably lifted last September as well.

Ajinkya Rahane said: “I’m really excited to have another opportunity to come to Leicestershire. I’ve built a strong rapport with Claude and [head coach] Alfonso [Thomas], and I’m looking forward to playing for the club this summer. I followed the team’s results last year and was very impressed with what I saw. I’m hoping to enjoy my cricket and contribute to more success for the club this season.”

Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League, showcased a flawless performance on their home turf, delivering a crushing 63-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans. The defending champions outclassed last year’s finalists, extending their unbeaten streak this season.

CSK exhibited a stellar all-round performance, with their batsmen shining in the first innings, enabling them to set a formidable target of 206 for 6. Subsequently, they efficiently restricted the opposition to 143 for 8. This victory propelled them to the summit of the IPL 2024 points table, securing four points from two matches.

MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane proves that they will always shine

In the match against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the seasoned campaigners of Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane, showcased exceptional fielding skills. Dhoni, aged 42, executed a remarkable catch to his right, dismissing Vijay Shankar, while Rahane, aged 35, took a sensational catch in the deep to dismiss David Miller.

Despite Dhoni retiring from international cricket in 2020 and Rahane nearing the twilight of his career, their fielding prowess was a sight to behold. The electrifying catches were met with resounding cheers at Chepauk, as Chennai asserted their dominance over Shubman Gill’s team.

Shivam Dube continues his 7^th 50 in IPL

Chennai Super Kings’ all-rounder continued his impressive form in the 2024 Indian Premier League with a blistering half-century against the Gujarat Titans at the Chepauk Stadium. Dube’s knock of 51 runs off just 23 deliveries, coming in at number 4, was instrumental in setting up a challenging total for CSK. The powerful all-rounder smashed two fours and five sixes during his innings.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 7, CSK vs GT

This performance follows his unbeaten 34 in the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he steered CSK to victory. Partnering with New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, Dube forged a crucial 51-run partnership that firmly placed CSK in control against the Gujarat Titans. Despite being dismissed by Rashid Khan soon after reaching his fifty in just 22 balls, Dube’s explosive innings at a strike-rate of 221.73 significantly boosted CSK’s total.

Rachin shows his stunning performance

Rachin Ravindra continued his remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League. Facing the Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Ravindra provided Chennai Super Kings with a flying start, smashing 46 runs off just 20 balls. He capitalized on the GT pace attack, led by Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav, showcasing his prowess in front of the enthusiastic Chennai crowd.

The promising left-handed batsman from New Zealand partnered with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to open the innings for CSK. Despite being acquired for a modest Rs 1.8 crores in the IPL 2024 auction, following his stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, Rachin proved to be a valuable asset for CSK. His explosive starts in both matches exemplified his potential for a remarkable season in the Indian Premier League, reinforcing CSK’s trust in him.

In a showdown between young captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged victorious, dealing Shubman Gill his first defeat as Gujarat’s captain. This win not only marked CSK’s triumph but also enhanced their head-to-head record against GT in the IPL, with both teams now having secured three victories in their six encounters. Notably, CSK had previously clinched victory against GT in last year’s final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, securing their fifth IPL title and equalling a record.

In the ongoing IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Rachin Ravindra and Ajinkya Rahane showcased exceptional presence of mind and athleticism to dismiss Virat Kohli.

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided RCB with a solid start, amassing 41 runs swiftly before Mustafizur Rahman claimed du Plessis’ wicket and Rajat Patidar’s in the fifth over, putting CSK in a commanding position. In the subsequent over, Deepak Chahar removed the threatening Glenn Maxwell, further denting RCB’s progress at 42 for 3.

Kohli and Cameron Green then stabilized the innings, but just as Kohli seemed to be settling in and preparing to accelerate, Rahane intervened with a remarkable effort. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reintroduced Mustafizur into the attack, which yielded immediate dividends.

Rahane and Ravindra shine as CSK takes control against RCB

On the second delivery of the over, Mustafizur delivered a back-of-length ball, prompting Kohli to attempt a pull shot. Though Kohli made decent contact, the lack of pace on the delivery prevented him from clearing the boundary. Despite placing his shot between two deep fielders, Kohli’s hopes were dashed by Rahane’s exceptional fielding.

Rahane charged in from deep mid-wicket, executing a sliding catch before swiftly returning the ball to Rachin Ravindra as his momentum carried him towards the boundary. Replays confirmed Rahane’s release of the ball before touching the boundary, leaving Kohli with no choice but to depart.

Making their IPL debut in this match, Mustafizur Rahman and Rachin Ravindra wasted no time in leaving their mark, taking less than five overs to announce their presence. RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first.

Watch Rachin Ravindra’s catch:

Du Plessis came out aggressively, accumulating 31 runs off just 20 balls by the end of the fourth over. He dispatched Deepak Chahar for a boundary in the opening over and added two more off Tushar Deshpande’s bowling in the second over. In the third over, he punished Chahar with four boundaries.

With Du Plessis in sublime form, CSK needed something extraordinary to dismiss him, and Rachin Ravindra provided exactly that. Ruturaj Gaikwad entrusted Mustafizur Rahman with the fifth over, and it took just three balls for him to make an impact.

SEE ALSO: CSK vs RCB, Match 1, IPL 2024: Mustafizur’s early breakthrough sends RCB on backfoot

On the fourth delivery of the same over, Mustafizur struck again, removing Cameron Green for 18, leaving RCB struggling at 78 for 5. As of the report’s writing, Anuj Rawat showcased brilliance with a remarkable 48-run innings, forming a crucial partnership of 95 runs with the experienced Dinesh Karthik (38*), propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a total of 173 for six against Chennai Super Kings.