Ajinkya Rahane, a retired stalwart of Indian cricket, shared his insights during a recent episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast in London. On a rainy evening, Rahane detailed how the combination of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri reshaped India’s Test cricket identity. He highlighted their shared vision and the fearless mindset they instilled in the squad, transforming India into a formidable team on the global stage.
Kohli's fearless approach, Shastri's backing
The turning point came when MS Dhoni stepped down as Test captain during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The change left the team with lingering doubts, but Kohli’s arrival brought clarity. He demanded a more aggressive style, pushing players to take the game to the opposition from the start. With Shastri by his side, Kohli gave the team a new philosophy — one rooted in boldness and action. 'If you feel like attacking from the very first ball, go for it,' Rahane recalled as something Kohli often repeated to the players, emphasizing the need to start strong.
This new approach paid off. India climbed to the top of the ICC Test rankings and began winning overseas series that once seemed impossible. The team’s fearless mindset, according to Rahane, was not just about victories, but also about the spirit with which they played the game. 'They toughened up Indian cricket,' he said, referring to how the duo changed the team’s mental framework and expectations.
Rahane's concern over modern Test cricket
However, Rahane expressed unease about the current state of Indian Test cricket. He admitted it was disheartening to watch the team struggle during the two years before he retired, when he wasn’t part of the setup. To him, Test cricket is a test of character, resilience, and mental toughness. 'You need to build that character,' he said on the podcast, noting that modern players often lack the grit and patience required in the longest format.
Rahane didn’t single out any specific team or player, but his concerns were clear. He lamented the decline in the ability and willingness to endure tough sessions in Test matches. 'You don’t see many teams playing out those sessions, those tough sessions anymore,' he observed, warning that this trend could damage the integrity of the sport as a whole.
For Rahane, the Test format is about more than just results — it’s a game built on patience, perseverance, and the kind of character that takes years to develop. Though his words may not feature in headlines, they offer a sobering reflection on what the future holds for the game he has loved and served.