New delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders Captain ajinkya rahane has reaffirmed his unwaveering determination to the Indian team, Saying He Still Harbors the “Desire and Hunger” The 36-year-old last featured in a test match in 2023 and has been out of India’s white-ball plans for nearly a decade, but his focus remains clear.
“I would love to be back in the Indian set-up against. The desire, the haunger, the fire is still there. Fitness-with, I am right up there. I just want to take one game at a time, mind And then, let’s see what happiness in the future, “Rahane said during star sports’ press room interaction on Friday.
“I am a guy who will never give up. Well and I am really enjoying my cricket at this moment, “He added.
Rahane’s Most Celebrated Chapter in Indian Colors Came during 2020-21 Border-gavaskar trophy In Australia, where he LED an injury-deepleted side to a history 2-1 test series win. Despite that high, he song found hemself sidelined as younger talent emerged and took center stage.
“Every day when I wake up, it’s always what goals I want to achieve.
“I want to represant my country. I want to wear that Indian colors against. Important, Recovery is really important, “He said.
“(I am) focusing on my diet as well … the motivation to do well for India, it’s still there. I am enjoying my cricket, that is the important thing. I am still passionate. I still love the game.”
As the conversation shifted towards IPL 2025 And KKR’s Campaign, Rahane Expressed full support for out-of-form vice-constance venkatesh Iyer, who has struggled for Consistency. With the Defending Champions Needing to Win All Four of their Remining Games to Stay in Playoff Content, Pressure is Mounting.
Iyer, the franchise’s costliest buy at Rs 23.75 Crore, has only managed scores of 60 and 45 of note this season. In the last four games, he has accumulated just 28 runs. But rahane is backing his deputy to bounce back.
“Every player goes through that phase where he is trying his best but the performance is not coming. He is a quality player. Matches for the team as well, “He said.
“It’s important from management (and) Leadership group point of view (that) Which all the players are doing, that is really important. “
“From my point of view, we are complete backing venkatesh iyer. He is just one innings away.
Rahane also admitted that the team’s opening combinations haven’t clicked consistently.
“Sunil Narine has done well in the past for us. is trying his best. But now, we have to look at the positives raather than what is not working for us, “He said.
“Obvious, the errors (have) happy and that can happy in this format. You want your players to play with freedom, play sometimes with high-Risk Cricket, So We are Bound to make and to make and to make and to make and
“I don’t like to pinpoint on any players or any particular number. Everyone has to contribute … it’s not happening, yes. I accept that.”
Looking ahead, rahane emphasized the importance of focusing one match at a time, especially with upcoming games against aganst Rajasthan royals and chennai supeer kings, beoth alredy eliminated from the Palayoff Race.
“When Teams are out, they have got noting to lose and they come with a different mindset to play the game. Particular Day and Give Our Best, “He said.
