AJINKYA RAHANE

A batter whose career has spanned India's Test resurgence, the evolution of the IPL and more than a decade of elite domestic cricket, Ajinkya Rahane brings a wealth of experience to the ETPL. The elegant right-hander has represented India in all three international formats and has played for six IPL franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. His international career includes 5,077 Test runs and 2,962 ODI runs, while his T20 career has produced close to 8,000 runs.

Rahane's T20 game has evolved considerably over the latter part of his career. His 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign was a particular statement of intent, as he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 469 runs at a strike rate of 164.56. He followed that with 390 runs for KKR in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 147.73, before adding another 335 runs in IPL 2026.

What makes Rahane particularly valuable is the contrast between his classical batting style and his modern T20 output. He can construct an innings through timing and placement, but his recent numbers demonstrate that he is equally capable of accelerating when the situation demands it. Alongside his batting, his experience captaining India, Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals adds another dimension to a player who has spent years operating at the highest levels of the game.