IPL 2023: 'I want to play a Test here' - CSK's Ajinkya Rahane after 19-ball fifty at Wankhede Stadium

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IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ajinkya Rahane has expressed his desire to play a Test match at Wankhede Stadium after hitting IPL 2023's fastest fifty at the venue against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday.

Making his CSK debut, the 34-year-old pounced on Mumbai bowlers to smash seven fours and three sixes en route to his blazing 19-ball fifty. The knock (61 off 27) helped the four-time champions to gun down the 158-run target with seven wickets and eleven balls remaining.

On being asked about his first reaction to the innings, Rahane wasted no point in expressing his desire to play a Test match at his home ground. The right-hand batter said he enjoys batting at Wankhede but unfortunately hasn't got an opportunity to play a red-ball match for India at the venue.

"I always enjoy playing at Wankhede. I have never played a Test here. I would want to play a Test here," Rahane, who has been out of the Indian team since January 2022, said.

"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. Today, I was not sure about my game. 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 is 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.

“I just got to know before the toss that I am playing. Unfortunately, Moeen was unwell. I know this wicket really well, have got an idea how the wicket was playing or how the ball was behaving, that helped me.

“When I went in, it was about playing my normal game. The intent was really good. My preparation was really good, we had a really good camp before coming here, had a good domestic season, batting wise I was feeling really good. I am happy that I did really well and we won the game,” the former India Test team vice-captain added.

India are scheduled to play the final of World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia from June 7 at The Oval in London. With Shreyas Iyer out of the summit clash due to a lower back injury, a spot in the middle-order is vacant.

It would be interesting to see if the management and the selectors recall the experienced Mumbai batter to fill the spot. The fact that Rahane, a veteran of 82 Tests, has enough experience of playing in English conditions, surely makes him one of the contenders to get a place in the India squad for the WTC final.