ENG vs. IND 2025: ‘I still want to play Test cricket’ – Ajinkya Rahane reveals future plans with India

Ajinkya Rahane, a senior Indian cricketer, was at Lord’s for India’s third Test against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. While watching the play, Rahane admitted he still aspires to wear the Indian whites again. India steadily reduced the deficit in their first innings with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy at the crease, taking it down to less than 100 runs after lunch on Day 3.

Ajinkya Rahane last played for India in Test cricket in 2023 and has not been a part of the limited-overs setup in for a decade.

Despite his absence, the seasoned batter underlined his desire to return to the longest format of the game.

“It’s great to be here. I still want to play test cricket. I am very excited about playing Test cricket, and I am now enjoying it. I’m just here for a few days, and I brought my workout clothing to keep myself fit. During a conversation with Sky Sports Cricket, Rahane stated that our domestic season has just began.

“I’d want to be back in the Indian setup. The desire, hunger, and fire are still present. Fitness-wise, I am right up there. “I just want to take one game at a time, think about the IPL right now, and then see what happens in the future,” he said.

“I still want to play Test cricket!” 👀

Ajinkya Rahane joins Athers & Nas at Lord’s… and the 37-year-old still has a desire to play in white for India 💙 pic.twitter.com/gZGZr32chl

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 12, 2025

The 37-year-old’s most memorable achievement came during the 2020–21 tour of Australia, where he led an injury-hit Indian side to a historic and emotionally charged 2-1 Test series victory. However, in the years that followed, Rahane gradually slipped out of the playing XI as a new wave of young talent emerged and cemented their places in the squad.

“I am a guy who will never give up. (I) always try and give my best on the field; give more than 100 per cent. It’s always about that, focusing on controllable things. I have been playing domestic cricket as well and I am really enjoying my cricket at this moment,” the veteran batter added.

It is worth mentioning that the Ashwi-KD-born last represented India during a Test match against the West Indies in 2023, and has since only played in domestic tournaments like the IPL and Ranji Trophy. He also captains Mumbai in First-Class cricket, and is a key inclusion in the limited-overs’ set-up as well.