By A Staff Reporter
Delhi – Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane expressed strong support for the recent push to ensure players are actively involved in domestic cricket, highlighting the significant benefits of consistent play for skill and confidence development. According to Rahane, domestic cricket is foundational for any player aiming to excel on the international stage. “This is a good decision to have everyone available play domestic cricket. This will boost players’ confidence. The more you play, the more practice you will get. This will give you confidence,” he said, recounting his own journey through domestic circuits before reaching international cricket.
Before debuting internationally, Rahane himself dedicated five years to the grind of domestic cricket, which he credits with preparing him for the challenges ahead. He emphasized that the rigorous experience in domestic cricket forces players to work hard and develop discipline, which becomes invaluable in the high-stakes environment of international matches. “It is not easy to play domestic cricket. You have to grind it out. Things do not come to you easily,” he noted, underscoring the importance of enduring and overcoming these challenges.
Rahane also shared insights on the importance of continuous learning and teamwork in a sport as dynamic as cricket. He emphasized the significance of drawing inspiration from teammates and adopting a learner’s mindset. “Whenever there is an opportunity to learn for me, I ask questions. This is a team sport; you learn from everyone. Everyone’s story is different, inspiring, and motivating,” he explained. Rahane’s commitment to playing red-ball cricket reflects his appreciation for the depth and strategic demands of the format, which he believes is crucial for honing a player’s focus and game awareness.
For Rahane, domestic cricket serves as a testing ground that nurtures game awareness and instills the discipline necessary for success. With his endorsement, the role of domestic cricket is reemphasized as essential in preparing India’s cricketers for international triumph.
