Ajinkya Rahane joins Hampshire ahead of their game against Nottinghamshire

Currently, the focus of the cricketing fraternity is only on the World Cup amidst the domestic season which is in progress in England. Despite not getting picked in India’s squad for the mega-event, Ajinkya Rahane will also be in the same country but he will be plying his trade in the red-ball format. He has reached England and joined his team Hampshire for the ongoing County season and will most probably feature in their next game against Nottinghamshire.

Rahane was signed as Aiden Markram ‘s replacement by the county after the latter was picked in South Africa’s World Cup squad. Markram’s stint concluded with the end of group stage matches of the domestic One-Day Cup and from here on, Rahane will be their overseas player in the line-up. India’s Test vice-captain is also the first Indian to play for Hampshire in County cricket.

The official Twitter handle of Hampshire posted Ajinkya Rahane’s picture and confirmed the cricketer’s arrival three days before their next match. “I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation. I hope to score runs and win as a team and would like to thank BCCI for allowing me to play,” Rahane had said after officially joining the team.

With India set to tour West Indies soon after the World Cup, this County stint will help Rahane counter tough conditions in the Caribbean islands.

Look who's arrived! 👀🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/vojZiYqQ7T

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) May 17, 2019

Hampshire on top of the table

Playing in the County Division One, Hampshire are currently at the top of the points table among eight teams. They have played three matches so far and have won two games while losing only one. Ajinkya Rahane’s arrival must have surely boosted their batting line-up even more and they will be hoping that the Indian cricketer helps them continue their winning run.

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