Leicestershire announced on Thursday that former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has been signed for the second half of the 2024 county season. According to the club’s statement, Rahane will participate in the entirety of the One Day Cup as Leicestershire aims to defend their 2023 title, as well as in the final five matches of the Vitality County Championship.
“I’m really excited to have another opportunity to come to Leicestershire. I’ve built a strong rapport with Claude (Henderson) and Alfonso (Thomas), and I’m looking forward to playing for the Club this summer,” Rahane said in an official statement about his move to Uptonsteel County Ground. “I followed the team’s results last year and was very impressed with what I saw. I’m hoping to enjoy my cricket and contribute to more success for the Club this season,” he added.
Rahane was initially scheduled to join Leicestershire last summer, but international commitments changed his availability. Now, the 36-year-old will cover for Wiaan Mulder, who is expected to be involved in South Africa’s tour of the Caribbean in August.
With over 26,000 runs and 51 centuries across all formats in his distinguished career, Rahane brings a wealth of experience. Since his debut for India in 2011, he has played in 195 matches and scored more than 8,000 international runs, including a top score of 188 against New Zealand in 2016. His Test cricket record includes 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, and in One Day Internationals, he has amassed 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone of Ajinkya’s quality to Leicestershire. It was unfortunate that Ajinkya’s schedule didn’t quite work with ours last year, but it’s a massive boost to have secured his services for the business end of this season,” said Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket. “He holds immense experience and vital leadership qualities, which will be hugely beneficial to the team alongside his run-scoring ability. Ajinkya’s arrival also presents a fantastic opportunity for our batters to learn from one of the game’s best,” Henderson added.
Rahane is set to arrive in mid-July as Leicestershire prepares for their opening One Day Cup match against Notts Outlaws at the Uptonsteel County Ground on July 24.
