'Anything can happen' - Ajinkya Rahane's verdict on comeback to Indian Team for Test Championship final

Ajinkya Rahane (Source: Twitter)

On Saturday, Ajinkya Rahane played a special knock for Chennai Super Kings as they beat arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2023 encounter. Rahane's stunning 19-ball half-century in the IPL's El Classico has put him back in contention for a Test recall ahead of the Test Championship final in England in June.

The middle-order batsman isn't ruling out a return to the Indian Test side for the Test Championship final but says there's "still a long way to go". Rahane, who was dropped from the Test squad and, as a result, from the Indian Cricket Board's annual contracts, last played a Test in South Africa in January 2022.

The middle-order batter, who played in the last Test Championship cycle's final, has averaged just 20.25 in his last 15 Test matches, with no hundreds and only three fifties. Shreyas Iyer replaced him in the Test team, but he is questionable for the Test Championship final in June after being ruled out of the IPL 2023 due to a back injury.

Still, a long way to go: Ajinkya Rahane on Test Championship Final

Meanwhile, Rahane had a good time at the Wankhede with a 27-ball 6, but he insisted on taking things one game at a time. “Still, a long way to go ," Rahane said at the post-match press conference after the IPL game.

"Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven, (and) got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion," he added.

In early June, India will face Australia in the Test Championship final at The Oval. India came very close to winning the title last time but fell short as New Zealand clinched the first-ever title.