Even after being out of the national limelight for almost two years, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane is still firm in his determination to wear the Indian jersey again.
At the age of 36, Rahane had his last appearance in a Test match way back in 2023, while his limited-overs career has been suspended for almost a decade. However, the veteran batter is nowhere near abandoning his aspirations.
"I would love to go back to the Indian setup again. The hunger, the desire, the fire still exists in me. From a fitness point of view, I am on top. I would like to take one game at a time, this IPL in particular, and then let's wait and see what the future holds," Rahane said on a visit to Star Sports Press Room.
Renowned for his tough determination, Rahane emphasizing his commitment to the game.
"I am one who will never give up. Always try and give my best out there in the ground; do more than 100 per cent. It's always that, a focus on things you can control. I have been playing domestic cricket too and I am really enjoying my cricket at this juncture of time," he added.
The senior batsman told how he has been practicing in the background, even during the off-season.
"I want to represent my country. I want to wear those Indian colours again. Off-season, I train two-three times a day. I believe at this stage of time, for me, remaining really fit is very important, recovery is very important," he elaborated.
"And considering my diet as well.the urge to play well for India, that is still there. I am loving my cricket, that is the most important thing. I am still passionate. I still love the game."
Referring to the IPL, Rahane talked about KKR's recent misfortunes and came out heavily in defense of his under-pressure deputy, Venkatesh Iyer. With four critical games left in the season, KKR have to win all of them if they are to remain in contention for the playoffs.
Iyer, the franchise's largest signing in ₹23.75 crore, has had an uneven season until now, where only two such major knocks of 60 and 45 stand out. Only 28 runs came his way from his previous four innings. Yet, there is faith within Rahane regarding the potential of Iyer.
"Every player goes through that phase when he is giving his hundred percent but the performance is not happening. He is a class player. We all know he has played well for the franchisee in the past and has won the matches for the team as well," Rahane stated.
"It is important from the management leadership team point of view that we back him. He has worked extremely hard. One sees only around the results and the outcome. But the hard work which all the players are doing, that is very important."
"From my point of view, we are completely backing Venkatesh Iyer. He is just one innings away. You can probably see one good innings from him in next four games," he added further.
Rahane also conceded that the team has not been able to find a regular opening pair.
"Sunil Narine played well for us last time. Today, we started with Quinny. Quinny has played a super knock. Again, though, he was unable to make the most of that. He is trying his best. He is doing his part. But at the moment, we need to see the positives happening to us and not what is not going our way," he said.
"Evidently, the errors did happen. That can happen with this kind of format. You want your players to play freely, play with occasional high-risk cricket, so we are bound to make errors."
Steering clear of placing any one person on the scapegoat's shoulders, Rahane underlined the importance of teamwork.
"I do not like to focus on any players or any particular figure. Everyone must contribute.It is not happening, sure. I am fine with it."
In the coming times, Rahane insisted that KKR will take one game at a time, especially with games coming up against the already eliminated Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
"When the teams are out, they have nothing to lose and they approach the game with a different mindset. For us, it's crucial to go out there with the right mindset, right attitude on that day and give our best," he finished.
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