Senior Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane will not be joining the English county side Leicestershire as originally scheduled. The decision comes as he seeks a break from cricket after a busy period of international commitments, as confirmed by the club.
The club announced that Ajinkya Rahane, the senior Indian batsman, will not be joining the English county side Leicestershire as initially planned. This decision comes as he expressed his desire to take a break from cricket following a series of intense international commitments.
Originally, Rahane was set to join the county club in June, but due to increased international responsibilities, his arrival was delayed. He had to travel to England right after the IPL for the World Test Championship final and then participated in India’s Test tour of the West Indies in the current month.
Considering that his recent involvements were not accounted for in his earlier schedule, Rahane now wishes to take some time off from cricket during August and September. As a result, he will not be featuring for Leicestershire as per the original plan.
The club’s Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, expressed full understanding of Rahane’s situation. They acknowledge the hectic schedule he has endured in recent months, both in India and while traveling with the national team, and they fully respect his decision to focus on recovery and spend time with his family during this period.
“We have maintained continuous communication with Ajinkya and understand that circumstances can rapidly evolve in cricket. He deeply appreciates our understanding and remains optimistic about the possibility of playing for Leicestershire at some point in the future.”
Australian cricketer Peter Handscomb will step in as a replacement for Rahane. Handscomb has decided to prolong his association with the Foxes to participate in the upcoming Metro Bank One Day Cup scheduled for the following month.
Fortunately, the team had anticipated such a scenario, and they express their delight at Peter’s continued commitment to the side. Apart from his batting and wicketkeeping skills, he brings valuable leadership qualities, which greatly assist Lewis Hill and the other team members in the changing room, as stated by Director of Cricket Claude Henderson.