Ajinkya Rahane | Birth, Age, and Education
Ajinkya Rahane was born on June 6, 1988, in Ashwini village of Ahmednagar to parents Madhukar Baburao Rahane and Sujata Rahane. He grew up with a younger brother named Shashank and a sister named Apurva.Ajinkya Rahane biography.
Rahane attended SV Joshi High School in Dombivali, a suburb of Mumbai, where he developed a strong interest in cricket. He began coaching at a local club in Dombivali when he was just 17 years old. Later, he had the opportunity to receive guidance from former Indian cricketer Pravin Amre.
Amidst the modern and youthful Indian cricket dressing room characterized by tattoos, trendy hairstyles, and lively personalities, Ajinkya Rahane stood out as a quiet and unassuming individual. Hailing from a middle-class background, Rahane’s parents supported his passion for cricket. Despite starting his cricket journey on a matted wicket due to limited resources in Dombivali, he began training under Pravin Amre at the age of 17. Rahane’s dedication to cricket was akin to a deeply-held belief, and he swiftly progressed from junior cricket to the Ranji Trophy. Ajinkya Rahane biography.
Even in the Ranji Trophy, Rahane showcased exceptional performance, amassing an impressive 1089 runs in his second season and making his mark. Despite his achievements, the highly competitive Indian batting lineup at the time did not have a spot for him. However, Rahane continued to excel in Ranji Trophy matches, consistently achieving centuries and breaking records.
Ajinkya Rahane Cricket Career
Ajinkya Rahane exhibited strong performances during India U-19’s tour to New Zealand in early 2007, where he achieved two centuries. These impressive displays caught the selectors’ attention, leading to his selection for the Mohammad Nissar Trophy in Pakistan. At the age of 19, in September 2007, Rahane marked his first-class debut for Mumbai against Karachi Urban during the Mohammad Nissar Trophy held in Karachi. He partnered with Sahil Kukreja to open the innings, and Rahane’s debut innings yielded a century of 143 runs (207 balls). Subsequently, he was chosen for the Irani Trophy match against the Rest of India.Ajinkya Rahane biography.
During the 2007-08 season, Rahane made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai and also left an impact in the 2007-08 Duleep Trophy while representing West Zone, scoring 172 against England Lions. His contribution of 1089 runs in his second Ranji season played a pivotal role in Mumbai clinching their 38th title. In the following seasons (2009-10 and 2010-11), he displayed remarkable consistency by scoring three centuries each in the Ranji Trophy. His top first-class score was an unbeaten 265 against Hyderabad. He achieved the milestone of surpassing 1000 runs in three separate seasons. A score of 52 in the 2011 Irani Trophy match against Rajasthan secured his spot in India’s Test squad.
In October 2018, Rahane was appointed captain of India C’s squad for the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy, leading the team to victory with an unbeaten 144* in the final. He also joined Hampshire as an overseas player for a couple of months in the 2019 county season. Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in March 2013 and, despite a modest beginning, he established himself in the team, especially during India’s tour of South Africa in 2013-14, where he accumulated 209 runs at an average of 69.66.
Notably, Rahane scored his second Test century at Lord’s Cricket Ground during England’s 2014 tour, gaining a place on the prestigious Lord’s honors board. In 2015, he achieved the rare feat of scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match against South Africa in Delhi. Although not a regular in limited-overs formats, Rahane was a key middle-order batsman for India in the 2015 ICC World Cup and was also part of the squad that reached the final of the 2014 World T20.
In November 2021, Rahane captained the Indian team for the first Test against New Zealand due to Kohli’s absence. During India’s tour of South Africa in 2021-22, he registered 136 runs in the series with a single fifty to his name. Despite being considered a non-T20 player, Rahane has consistently defied critics, drawing inspiration from Rahul Dravid. His T20 journey encompassed stints with Mumbai Indians, Pune Supergiants, CSK, Rajasthan Royals, KKR, and Delhi Capitals. In the IPL 2023 auction, he was purchased by the Chennai Super Kings for the base price of Rs 50 lakh.
Having played 158 matches, Rahane amassed 4074 runs at an average of 30.86 and a strike rate of 120.68 in T20 cricket. His record includes two centuries and 28 half-centuries.
 Ajinkya Rahane Family
Ajinkya Rahane hails from a modest, middle-class family rooted in Maharashtra. Born on June 6, 1988, in Sangamner, Ashwi Khurd, he proudly identifies as a Marathi boy. He grew up in a Marathi-speaking household and belongs to a family that values its Marathi heritage. His educational journey took place at SV Joshi High School in Dombivali. Raised by his father, Madhukar Baburao Rahane, whose income was limited, the family faced financial constraints that made investing in Ajinkya’s cricket career challenging. Despite this, Ajinkya Rahane’s passion for the sport was ignited at the tender age of seven. Ajinkya Rahane biography.
Owing to their financial situation, Ajinkya Rahane enrolled in an affordable coaching centre. The high fees demanded by more prominent coaching institutions were beyond their means, as Madhukar Rahane had to prioritize supporting the family’s needs. Pravin Amre, a former Indian cricketer, was Ajinkya Rahane’s coach at this centre.
The coaching centre, though distant from his residence, required a 2-kilometre journey. Sujata Rahane, his mother, played a significant role, in navigating the struggles that came with limited resources to ensure her son’s bright future. Ajinkya Rahane has a brother named Shashank Rahane and a sister named Apurva Rahane.
In his early days, Ajinkya Rahane developed a romantic bond with a girl named Rashika Dhopavkar. Their affection for each other blossomed from childhood and evolved over the years. Their love story, resembling the simplicity and charm of classic films, grew stronger with time. Their fondness for each other matured alongside their personal growth. Their courtship was characterized by simplicity and a strong bond.
As they matured, their love deepened, and they began sharing a living space. While Ajinkya Rahane was not inclined towards a more adventurous dating life, their relationship evolved naturally. Their families were aware of their feelings for each other and were supportive. Eventually, both families gave their blessings, acknowledging the couple’s commitment to each other. On September 26, 2014, in Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane and Rashika Dhopavkar exchanged vows in marriage. The occasion was attended by cricketers, BCCI members, close friends, and well-wishers. The wedding celebrations extended to a reception at MCA, where the entire Indian cricket team joined in commemorating the event. The couple’s strong understanding and compatibility form the foundation of their relationship. Their enduring love story is a testament to their bond, and it is hoped that their journey together will continue to be blessed. As of May 2021, Ajinkya Rahane holds the 27th position in the ICC Test batting rankings with a total of 612 points. His consistent performances earned him a Grade B contract from the BCCI in March 2022. Rahane’s cricket journey began with his test debut on March 22, 2013, against Australia, followed by his ODI debut on September 3, 2011, against England, and his T20I debut on August 31, 2011, against England as well. Standing at a height of 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches), Rahane primarily bats right-handed and occasionally contributes with his right-arm off-spin bowling. In the IPL, he represents CSK starting from the 2023 season. With his wife Radhika Dhopavkar, he has been blessed with a daughter and a son, creating a fulfilling family life alongside his cricketing endeavours.
Ajinkya Rahane Achivements & Awards
Ajinkya Rahane became the fifth Indian batsman to accomplish the feat of scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match. He achieved this remarkable milestone by joining the elite group of cricketers who have achieved such a feat. Another significant achievement came on August 15, 2015, when he set a new record for the highest number of catches taken in a single Test match. During the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle, he impressively secured 8 catches. Ajinkya Rahane biography.
Notably, Rahane was the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to hit six consecutive fours in a single over, accomplishing this feat against S Arvind of Royal Challengers Bangalore. His exceptional fielding prowess is further demonstrated by his joint record for the highest number of catches taken by a player in a T20 match, highlighting his exceptional abilities on the field.
Rahane’s talent and dedication were recognized early in his career when he was awarded the MA Chidambaram Trophy for being the best Under-19 cricketer during the 2006-07 season. His performances continued to gain recognition, leading to him being named the CEAT Indian Cricketer of the Year in 2014-15. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Rahane was also honoured with the Arjuna Award.
These accomplishments underscore Ajinkya Rahane’s contributions to the game of cricket, showcasing his exceptional skills as a batsman, fielder, and all-around performer on the field.