Ajinkya Rahane hasnt featured in Indias plans for more than two years but the experienced batters determination is still strong. The 37-year-old showed his fighting spirit with a solid knock of 159 in the Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh. His celebration was simple a gentle lift of the bat and a thumbs-up toward the dressing room. What were Ajinkya Rahanes statements? Something clicked for me. I know how good a player I am so I dont like to focus on whats going on outside. There are many unwanted people who dont know about the game but they still talk about a player who has been playing consistently with a good attitude and good intensity Rahane was quoted as saying to Sportstar. Ajinkya Rahane continues to be a mentor and source of guidance Even after giving up the Mumbai captaincy Rahane continues to be a mentor and source of guidance for the younger players. I want Mumbais players to go and play at the highest level. But some people (still) talk about that. They dont know the game; they dont know what it takes for an international cricketer who has played for so many years. I dont want to name anyone but I feel my familys support has been massive. My kids tell me Daddy you can do it... and when they support you nothing else matters. When did Ajinkya Rahane play his last Test match for India? Ajinkya Rahane last played a Test for India during the 2023 tour of the West Indies. Since then the selectors have chosen to look beyond him. Despite performing consistently in domestic cricket Rahane says he hasn’t received any clear communication from the selectors. Ajinkya Rahane added more After playing so much cricket when experienced players like me were dropped I got a sense that theres something different. I feel an experienced player like me should get more chances when he makes a comeback. But there was no communication Even so his determination remains strong. But I still enjoy my game. I can focus on the controllable which I’m doing right now. Whether they select me or not thats their call but I personally feel that the Indian team needed me in Australia and I was fully ready for it. With Ajit Agarkar and the selectors leaning toward younger players Rahane believes that team choices should be made on performance not age. Age is just a number. If a player has the experience and is still playing domestic cricket and giving his best the selectors should consider him. Its not about the age. Its about the intent. Its about the passion for red-ball cricket and the hard work that you put in the middle. Thats what matters he said. In Australia you see Michael Hussey made his debut in his late 30s. He still scored runs. So experience matters in red-ball cricket. And I thought personally the Indian team needed me in Australia. Selectors talk about playing domestic cricket. Ive been playing domestic cricket for the last four to five seasons. Sometimes its not about the runs. Its about the intent. Its about the experience (you get) when you play in Australia England or South Africa... so I dont buy that age factor he added.