Leicestershire sign Ajinkya Rahane for 2023 season

Leicestershire have roped in India batter Ajinkya Rahane for the 2023 season. The first-class county club confirmed the signing on Tuesday (January 31). This will be Rahane’s second stint in County cricket after he represented Hampshire in 2019. 

Rahane will be available for eight matches in the County Championship as he is set to join the county just after the conclusion of his stint with Chennai in the Indian T20 League. The right handed batter will also be available for the One Day Competition given he is currently struggling to find a spot in the national side. 

"I'm really happy to be joining Leicestershire for the upcoming season," Rahane said. "I can't wait to play alongside my new teammates and explore the vibrant city of Leicester."

Rahane has almost scored 5000 runs in the 82 Tests he has played for India at a decent average of 38.52. His last appearance for the national side came back in January 2022  against South Africa, following which he has not been a part of the side. However, he has enjoyed good form in the Ranji Trophy recently, scoring 634 runs for Mumbai in seven fixtures. 

"I'm extremely excited to welcome Ajinkya to Leicestershire," Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson said. "He comes with a lot of experience and a tremendous work ethic. It's a great opportunity for us to tap into that. I had conversations with (Assistant Coach) Alfonso Thomas and (Head Coach) Paul Nixon, who had eyed Ajinkya in the past, so he was always on our radar. It was a case of seeing what the team needed, which was definitely a senior overseas batsman, so we are delighted to have secured someone of Ajinkya's calibre."