Ajinkya Rahane, who’s leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, really stepped up against Haryana at Eden Gardens. On day four, he scored a brilliant century—108 runs—and honestly, it was the kind of innings that can turn a match. His batting helped Mumbai set a tough target for Haryana to chase. Mumbai put up 339 runs in their second innings, which means Haryana now needs 354 runs to win. That’s a pretty big ask in a knockout game.
Rahane’s partnership with Suryakumar Yadav was the backbone here. Together, they added 129 runs, steadying the innings when things could have got shaky. After Suryakumar got out at 70, the rest of Mumbai’s middle order didn’t really fire up much. But Rahane kept going strong, showing why he’s such a key player and captain for the team.
A Special Century in Rahane’s 200th Match
This hundred was special for Rahane beyond just the runs. It came in his 200th first-class game, which is a big milestone for any cricketer. Over his career, Rahane has scored 41 first-class centuries, including 12 in Test matches for India. Even though this is his first century of the current season, it came when the team really needed it, which says a lot about how he handles pressure.
It’s clear Rahane knows how to make his innings count, especially in important games like this one.
Could This Century Bring Rahane Back to the National Team?
Rahane hasn’t been in the Indian squad since July 2023, but this innings might change that. His strong showings in the Ranji Trophy and his good form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, where he scored 469 runs at an average of almost 59, are making people talk again. Lots of fans and experts think he’s got a good shot at making a comeback to the national team if he keeps this up.
IPL and What’s Next for Rahane
Rahane’s done well in the IPL too, which helped him get back into India’s Test team in the past. This year, he’s set to play for Kolkata Knight Riders, so that’s another chance for him to shine and remind selectors what he can do on the big stage.
Experts Praise Rahane’s Mental Strength
Cricket analyst Sumit Kumar has been a big fan of Rahane’s mental toughness. He says Rahane’s ability to stay calm and perform even when things get tough is what makes him stand out. People like Kumar believe it’s only a matter of time before Rahane’s hard work pays off with a spot back in the national side.
What This Means Moving Forward
In the end, Rahane’s century wasn’t just about runs. It showed his grit, experience, and how valuable he is for Mumbai right now. With performances like this, it’s no surprise that cricket fans and experts are hoping selectors notice him again. If he keeps playing like this, we might see Ajinkya Rahane wearing the India jersey again sooner than we think.
