- Full Name: Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane
- Nickname: Jinks
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1988
- Age: 36 (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Ashwi KD village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Profession: Cricketer
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
- Role in Team: Batsman
- Net Worth: Estimated $9 million
Early Life and Education:
On June 6, 1988, Ajinkya Rahane was born in Ashwi KD village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. His mother, Sujata Rahane, ran the home while his father, Madhukar Baburao Rahane, had a menial job. He was raised in a middle-class family. From an early age, Rahane showed a keen interest in cricket. At the age of seven, his parents enrolled him in cricket coaching sessions after realising his enthusiasm. Pravin Amre, who was instrumental in forming his career, oversaw his early instruction at the Dronacharya Cricket Academy in Mumbai.
Rahane finished his education in Dombivli, a Mumbai suburb, at SV Joshi High School. He maintained his discipline as a student and successfully balanced studies and athletics despite his passion for cricket.
Cricket Career:
Domestic Career
Ajinkya Rahane started his cricket career playing domestic cricket for Mumbai. His steady achievements in the Ranji Trophy brought him immediate prominence. He proved to be a dependable middle-order batsman after showcasing his extraordinary potential in his maiden season in 2007–08. He went on to score over 1,000 runs in a single Ranji season.
International Career
In 2011, Rahane made his debut for his country in a Twenty20 match against England. In March 2013, he made his Test debut in Delhi against Australia. Rahane, who is well-known for his composed demeanour and traditional batting style, has been an essential member of India’s Test team, particularly while playing abroad.
Leading the Indian side to a historic Test series triumph over Australia in 2020–21 following the return of regular captain Virat Kohli to India stands out as one of his most memorable career experiences. He received a lot of recognition for his batting prowess, leadership, and fortitude in Melbourne.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahane has also played frequently for teams like the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. He was a great asset since he could play aggressive strokes when needed and anchor innings.
Awards and Achievements:
- Arjuna Award: Awarded in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.
- Memorable Performances: Scored crucial centuries in Test matches, including his twin centuries against South Africa in 2015.
- Leadership: Successfully captained the Indian team to a series win in Australia.
Personal Life:
The personal life of Indian cricket player Ajinkya Rahane is rather quiet and unassuming. He was born into a middle-class family in Ashwi Khurd, Maharashtra, on June 6, 1988. His mother, Sujata Rahane, and father, Madhukar Baburao Rahane, encouraged him to pursue cricket from a young age.
In 2014, Rahane wed Radhika Dhopavkar, his childhood sweetheart. Aarya, the couple’s daughter, was born in 2019. Rahane cherishes his family time and frequently posts tidbits of his private life on social media, despite his hectic cricket career.
Rahane has a reputation for being disciplined and modest off the pitch. He is a fitness enthusiast, a yoga practitioner, and an avid reader. He also takes an active interest in humanitarian endeavours and social concerns. He has gained acclaim both on and off the cricket pitch for his composed manner and adherence to traditional values.
Legacy:
Aspiring cricket players might draw inspiration from Ajinkya Rahane’s career. His rise from a small-town kid to captain of the Indian cricket team is evidence of his tenacity and drive. He has left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket, particularly in Test cricket.
Rahane is still regarded as a respected member of the cricket community and plays domestic cricket.
