The storied India batter was due to join Leicestershire last season, but had to withdraw as he was selected in India's Test squad for their tour of the West Indies in July 2023. That tour was an unsuccessful one for him, as he registered scores of 8 and 3 in two innings, and he hasn't represented India since.
"We are thrilled to welcome someone of Ajinkya’s quality to Leicestershire," said director of cricket Claude Henderson. "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.”
𝗥𝗔𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 ✍️🇮🇳
— Leicestershire Foxes 🦊 (@leicsccc) June 27, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the signing of India superstar @ajinkyarahane88 for the second half of the 2024 season. 🦊
The former India captain will feature in the entirety of the One Day Cup as well as the final five @CountyChamp matches. 🏆
In 85 Tests, Rahane scored over 5,000 runs with 12 centuries. He also represented India more than 100 times in white-ball cricket.
"I’m really excited to have another opportunity to come to Leicestershire," said the 36-year-old. "I’ve built a strong rapport with Claude (Henderson) and 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.”
He will take part in the entire One Day Cup campaign, which Leicestershire enter as defending champions. Following that, Rahane will also be available for the Foxes' last five County Championship fixtures of the season. This is not the first time he has ventured into English domestic cricket, as he had a spell in the County Championship with Hampshire in 2019. It will, however, be the first time Rahane plays List A cricket outside India.
Rahane's last ODI appearance came in February 2018, over six years ago. However, he has kept fit this season by representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also took part in the Ranji Trophy, which Mumbai won under his captaincy and played in the 2024 Indian Premier League for Chennai Super Kings.
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