Ajinkya Rahane never gives up and after surprising the cricketing world with the fastest fifty of IPL 2023 so far, the out-of-favour India batter yearns to play a Test match at his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium.

On his debut for Chennai Super Kings, Rahane smashed seven fours and three sixes in his 61 from just 27 balls and the fastest fifty of the season came off just 19 balls. Chasing 158 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, CSK finished reached home in 18.1 overs with seven wickets to spare.

“I always enjoy playing at Wankhede. I have never played a Test here. I would want to play a Test here,” said Rahane, who led India to a famous Test series win in Australia in 2021.

Rahane was not supposed to start the game but an injury to Moeen Ali gave him an opportunity.

“There is still a long way to go. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven. I got to know just before the toss, for me it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment,” Rahane told the media on Saturday night.

“Anything can happen. For me, I will never give up. It is about playing with enjoyment and passion.

“Whatever format I play, it is about giving my best every time, rather than thinking about the future, things which are not in my hand, not in my control... for me it’s all about giving my best every time and be as positive as possible and whenever I get an opportunity, I should be ready for that,” Rahane said.

Rahana was dropped from the Test team following the tour of South Africa in January 2022. While Cheteshwar Pujara was able to make a comeback, Rahane couldn’t.