Ajinkya Rahane recalls two-year wait for India Test debut: ‘I was the 12th man for 20 games’
Ajinkya Rahane Recalls Two Year Wait for India Test Debut
From 12th Man to Middle-Order Pillar
Bharatmorningnews.com – Ajinkya Rahane recalls two year journey to Test cricket glory, sharing insights about his patient approach during a challenging period in his career. The veteran Indian batsman recently opened up about the difficult times when he traveled extensively with India's Test squad without securing a regular spot in the starting eleven. While Rahane made his international debut in limited-overs cricket in 2011, he had to wait an additional two seasons before receiving his first Test call-up. Throughout that extended span, the Mumbai-born player frequently served as the squad's twelfth man, watching from the sidelines despite his constant presence in the traveling party.
"The first two years, when I entered the team for the first time in 2011. I had to wait 20 games for my Test debut, and I was there as a 12th man for two years. That was a challenging phase, but I learnt a lot from it. I had two choices: either to gain sympathy or try to improve myself. There is nothing bad about being a 12th man or serving water or helping your teammates. I took it positively. I would look at everything, and because of that, I could play for a long time. Observing helped my attitude and mindset. It would be easy to gain sympathy, but I never expected that," he said on his Hindi YouTube channel.
The experienced opener ultimately carved out a distinguished position within India's batting lineup and built a remarkable international career spanning over a decade. His Test record stands at an impressive 5,077 runs across 144 innings in 85 matches, yielding an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50. Those figures include twelve hundred-plus scores and twenty-six fifties, with several standout performances contributing to memorable team victories across different conditions worldwide.
Learning Patience Through Experience
Rahane acknowledged that the extended period spent as a backup player represented one of the most demanding stretches of his professional life. Rather than becoming discouraged or losing confidence, he embraced the opportunity to observe and absorb lessons from established teammates around him. This approach cultivated the mental resilience that sustained him throughout his lengthy Test career, proving that patience and hard work eventually yield results.
"It was there from before, but it also developed as I kept playing and gained experience. I will not say I had so much patience right from the start. When you travel in a local train in Mumbai, it is challenging. So somewhere, patience develops right from there. When I started domestic cricket and kept scoring consistently, you unknowingly think that your name should come for India. And even I thought the same. But after talking to some senior players and over time, I realised it will happen when it has to happen. You do whatever is in your control. If you want to play for long, patience is important," he added.
The Mumbai-born cricketer explained that patience did not come naturally to him initially. Growing up navigating the city's crowded local trains helped build this quality gradually over time. Conversations with more experienced players further refined his perspective, teaching him to concentrate on controllable factors instead of fixating on selection decisions. This combination of personal experience and mentorship shaped his approach to both cricket and life, creating a foundation for sustained success.
Impact on Career Longevity
Looking back at his journey, Rahane believes that those early years as a 12th man provided invaluable lessons that extended far beyond cricket. The experience of watching games from the sidelines allowed him to study different batting techniques, understand match situations better, and develop tactical awareness. These observations proved crucial when he finally got his opportunity to play Test cricket regularly.
His ability to remain positive during rejection periods set him apart from many contemporaries who might have lost motivation. Rahane's story serves as inspiration for young cricketers who face similar challenges in their pursuit of international recognition. The veteran batsman's journey from being a backup player to becoming one of India's most reliable middle-order batsmen demonstrates the value of perseverance and continuous improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ajinkya Rahane make his Test debut?
Ajinkya Rahane recalls two year wait before his Test debut, which came in 2013 after he had been traveling with the squad since 2011. He made his international debut in limited-overs cricket in 2011 but had to wait for his first Test call-up.
How many games was Rahane the 12th man?
According to Rahane's own recollection, he served as the 12th man for 20 games during his first two years with the Test team. This period of waiting tested his patience but ultimately strengthened his resolve.
What is Ajinkya Rahane's Test career average?
Rahane has scored 5,077 runs in 85 Test matches at an average of 38.46. His career includes twelve centuries and twenty-six half-centuries across 144 innings.
Where did Rahane share his memories about the 12th man period?
The veteran batsman shared his experiences on his Hindi YouTube channel, discussing how he chose to improve himself rather than gain sympathy during those challenging years.