Ajinkya Rahane, one of India’s most reliable middle-order batsmen, has experienced both highs and setbacks in his cricketing journey. Despite delivering a strong 159-run innings for Mumbai against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy, Rahane has been sidelined from the Indian Test team for nearly three years. His exclusion from the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy drew criticism, with Rahane publicly expressing frustration over the lack of communication from selectors. He highlighted the importance of his experience, especially after India’s disappointing tour of Australia, where his absence was felt. Rahane’s cricketing career began in 2008 with the Mumbai Indians, starting at a modest INR 12 lakh in the IPL. His breakthrough came in 2014 when the Rajasthan Royals acquired him for INR 7.5 crore annually. His IPL salary peaked between 2016 and 2017, earning INR 8 crore and INR 9.5 crore respectively. However, his earnings have since dipped in recent seasons, though his total IPL income has surpassed INR 60 crore over the years.