Would Ajinkya Rahane have been the greatest if he played for England?

Published - 16 Nov 2025, 10:41 IST | Updated - 16 Nov 2025, 10:59 IST

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is one of the most classical batters India has produced in modern cricket. Hailing from Mumbai’s rich cricketing culture, Rahane is known for his formal stance, compact technique, and a straight drive that is as elegant as it is effective. Over the years, he evolved into a dependable middle-order mainstay for India, especially in overseas conditions, and is forever etched in memory for captaining India to a historic series win in Australia in 2020–21.

Rahane’s domestic journey was equally impressive. He piled up over 1000 runs in just his second Ranji Trophy season, playing a crucial role in securing Mumbai’s 38th title. After months of travelling with the national squad, he finally made his Test debut in 2013. Only in his third Test, he produced two high-class knocks, 51* and 96 in Durban, announcing his arrival as a red-ball specialist. Rahane went on to score over 5000 Test runs, becoming one of India’s most reliable overseas performers.

His Test average in England stands at only 28.00, but it includes several valuable innings played in challenging conditions. After being dropped in 2022, he returned strongly in the 2023 World Test Championship final, top-scoring for India on English soil.

Rahane’s technique is tailor-made for England. The overcast weather, frequent rain interruptions, and greenish pitches often trouble aggressive batters, but reward those who play late, with soft hands, and with patience, traits Rahane possesses in abundance. English cricket has traditionally valued technically accomplished players, and Rahane fits neatly into that mould.

Imagine a Test batting line-up featuring Joe Root and Ajinkya Rahane together, two batters who thrive under pressure and excel in tough batting conditions. Their partnership would have thrilled Test cricket purists. Given England’s relatively less crowded talent pool for classical middle-order batters compared to India, Rahane might have received a longer rope, more backing, and perhaps a more celebrated career.