Ajinkya Rahane hopeful of playing upcoming Ranji Trophy matches

Ajinkya Rahane arrived in Patna with the Mumbai Team as an important member of their Ranji Trophy plans but could not take part in the match against Bihar owing to an injury. Speaking about it, Rahane said that he always played cricket with passion and only injury could have kept him out of the match. “I have a great passion for playing, and that’s why I came to Patna. I never back down from playing. However, during a practice session, I suffered a minor injury in my neck. That’s why I am not playing this match. But I will definitely play in the upcoming Ranji matches,” Rahane told India Today. The Mumbai players were honoured in Patna and Rahane was visibly pleased with the exceptional crowd turnout. Rahane said that he was pleased with the enthusiasm in Bihar, emphasising that the crowd equally supported both sides. “They are supporting the Mumbai team along with the Bihar team,” Rahane said, expressing joy at witnessing the enduring love for cricket in Patna. Additionally, he also spoke about relishing the diverse and delicious cuisines of Bihar, expressing his desire to return and play again in the region. When asked about the upcoming England tour and the possibility of making a comeback to the Indian Test side, Rahane gave the question a pass and said that he would not be making any comment on it. The middle-order batter will have a chance to stake his claim for a spot in the side if he manages to post big scores in Ranji trophy matches. Speaking about the ongoing match, Mumbai scored a first-innings total of 251, spearheaded by Bhupen Lalwani’s knock of 65. Suved Parkar and Tanush Kotian also chipped in with handy contributions with both reaching the half-century mark. Bihar were then dismissed on 100 runs before being asked to follow on as Mumbai took a 151 run lead. With their backs against the wall, Bihar were dismissed for 100 runs once again to see Mumbai win by an innings and 51 runs. Mohit Avasthi took 6/27 in the first innings and Shivam Dube posted figures of 4/10 in the second essay (6/23 in the match