'I was India's 12th man for two years' - Ajinkya Rahane reveals toughest career phase

Ajinkya Rahane has opened up about the most challenging period of his international cricket career, reflecting on the early years when he struggled to break into the Test team despite being part of the squad. The veteran batter, who recently retired from all forms of cricket, spent a significant portion of his early years in the Indian setup waiting for his opportunity at the highest level.

Rahane's first taste of international cricket came in 2011 in limited-overs formats, but the transition to Test cricket proved far more difficult. He travelled with the Indian team for approximately two years before finally making his Test debut in 2013.

"The first two years, when I entered the team for the first time in 2011. I had to wait 20 games for my Test debut, and I was there as a 12th man for two years. That was a challenging phase, but I learnt a lot from it." Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Choosing improvement over sympathy

During this period of uncertainty, the Mumbai batter faced a critical choice about how to respond to the setback. Rather than allowing frustration to take hold, he consciously decided to adopt a positive mindset and use the experience as a stepping stone for growth.

"I had two choices: either to gain sympathy or try to improve myself. There is nothing bad about being a 12th man or serving water or helping your teammates. I took it positively." Rahane said.

The role of observation and learning

Rahane's approach during those two years as 12th man proved instrumental in shaping his long international career. He emphasised the importance of observation and learning from senior players around him, which helped him develop the mental fortitude required for sustained success at the international level.

"I would look at everything, and because of that, I could play for a long time. Observing helped my attitude and mindset. It would be easy to gain sympathy, but I never expected that," Rahane said.

The development of patience became a cornerstone of Rahane's approach to cricket. He acknowledged that while patience was part of his nature from earlier experiences, it was further refined through his years in the Indian setup and his domestic cricket performances.

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Patience as a career foundation

"When you travel in a local train in Mumbai, it is challenging. So somewhere, patience develops right from there. When I started domestic cricket and kept scoring consistently, you unknowingly think that your name should come for India. And even I thought the same," Rahane said.

However, Rahane recognised that waiting for selection required a shift in perspective. Conversations with senior players helped him understand that persistence and consistent performance in areas within his control were more valuable than expecting immediate recognition.

"But after talking to some senior players and over time, I realised it will happen when it has to happen. You do whatever is in your control. If you want to play for long, patience is important," the cricketer said.