Ajinkya Rahane is one of India’s most respected Test batsmen. People call him “Jinks” and the “Gentleman Cricketer” because he stays calm even under pressure. Rahane is known for his solid batting, great catches in slip, and humble personality.
From a small boy in Mumbai’s narrow lanes to India’s Test vice-captain, Rahane’s journey shows how hard work and respect for the game make a big difference. Let’s read his full story — his age, height, family, wife, daughter, ups and downs, and 2025 update.
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane |
| Nickname | Jinks, Gentleman Cricketer |
| Profession | Indian Cricketer (Test Specialist, Batsman) |
| Date of Birth | 6 June 1988 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 37 Years |
| Birthplace | Ashwi KD, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India |
| Hometown | Dombivli, Thane, Maharashtra, India |
| Current City | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Around 65 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Education | SV Joshi High School, Dombivli & B.Com. Graduate |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Radhika Dhopavkar |
| Children | Daughter: Aarya Rahane |
| Father’s Name | Madhukar Baburao Rahane |
| Mother’s Name | Suvarna Rahane |
| Siblings | Younger Brother & Sister (Names Not Public) |
| Domestic Team | Mumbai |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| International Debut | T20I & ODI (2011), Test (March 2013 vs Australia) |
| Career Highlight | Captained India to series win at Gabba, Australia 2021 |
| Recent Form | Playing Ranji Trophy & IPL with CSK (2024–2025) |
| Favourite Shot | Cover Drive |
| Hobbies | Reading, Karate, Charity Work |
| Controversies | Criticism for form & strike rate but always stayed calm |
| Future Goal | Mentor young cricketers & help India’s Test bench grow |
Early Life of Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane was born on 6 June 1988 in Ashwi KD, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. He grew up in Dombivli, a small town near Mumbai. His father, Madhukar Baburao Rahane, worked in a transport company. His mother, Suvarna Rahane, looked after him and his younger brother and sister.
Rahane started playing cricket at 7. He trained at a small coaching camp in Dombivli because his family could not afford fancy academies. His father would take him on a scooter for matches and practice. He played with a rubber ball on small grounds and learned to adjust to any pitch.
His parents always believed that education is important. So Rahane studied at SV Joshi High School, Dombivli, and later finished his B.Com. degree. Even when he travelled for matches, he carried his textbooks.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Cricket Career: From Local to Legend
Domestic Cricket Struggle
Rahane played his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2007. He scored big runs for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. His technique was neat, and his attitude impressed seniors. He was always the first to reach nets and last to leave.
In the 2008–09 Ranji season, he scored over 1000 runs. This record made selectors notice him for India A tours. He performed well in New Zealand and Australia, playing on tough pitches.
India Debut and Early Days
Rahane made his T20I debut for India in August 2011 against England. He scored a quick 61 in his first match. His ODI debut came in the same tour. But his real strength was red-ball cricket.
In March 2013, Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in Delhi. His first few innings were not big but he did not lose hope. In the South Africa tour in 2013, he scored a brave 96 at Durban. After that, he became a regular in India’s Test team.
Overseas Hero: Lord’s and Australia
Rahane’s biggest moments came in overseas Tests. In 2014, he scored a classy century at Lord’s — the home of cricket. His 103 helped India beat England at Lord’s after 28 years.
In Australia, he scored a superb 147 in Melbourne. His cover drives, calm mind, and slip catching made him one of India’s best overseas batsmen.
The Gabba Hero and 2021 Glory
In 2020–21, India toured Australia with many injuries. Virat Kohli went on paternity leave. Rahane became stand-in captain. He led the team with courage after a humiliating 36 all out in Adelaide.
In the second Test at Melbourne, Rahane scored a match-winning 112 as captain. India won that Test and later won the series 2-1 by defeating Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane. This historic win made Rahane a hero.
Ups and Downs and 2025 Update
After the Australia glory, Rahane struggled with form. He was dropped from the Test squad in 2022 due to poor runs. But he did not give up. He played domestic cricket and scored big for Mumbai.
In IPL too, he found new energy with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In 2023 IPL, he played fast knocks and surprised everyone. In 2024–2025, Rahane is still playing for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. He says he wants to help young players and stay ready for any chance with India.
Ajinkya Rahane Height, Weight & Fitness
Ajinkya Rahane’s height is 5 feet 7 inches (about 170 cm). His weight is around 65 kg. He is not bulky but very fit. His secret is clean diet and sharp fielding drills.
He works on slip catching every day. He eats simple Maharashtrian home food and loves dal-chawal. He avoids junk and does yoga to keep his mind calm.
Ajinkya Rahane Age in 2025
Rahane was born on 6 June 1988, so his age is 37 years in 2025. He says age is just a number and experience helps him read bowlers better now.
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Ajinkya Rahane’s Wife, Daughter & Family Life
Rahane married his childhood friend Radhika Dhopavkar in September 2014. Their love story is sweet. They grew up in the same neighbourhood and knew each other for years. Their wedding was simple and full of family blessings.
In 2019, they became parents to a baby girl named Aarya Rahane. Rahane loves spending time with his daughter. He shares cute moments of playing with her or reading her bedtime stories.
His family is his biggest strength. His parents are proud to see their boy become India’s hero.
Controversies: Staying Calm in Storm
Rahane is not a cricketer who makes news for wrong reasons. He stays away from fights and gossip. But he faced criticism for his batting form many times. In 2022, some critics said he plays too slow or gets out early.
He answered them by working harder. He never gave rude replies on social media. He just let his bat do the talking.
Once during IPL, he was trolled for not scoring fast. But in CSK, he changed his game and became a fearless hitter again.
Interesting Facts About Ajinkya Rahane
He holds a black belt in karate, which helps his fitness.
He loves reading books on motivation and history.
He does charity work and supports girl child education.
He always carries his lucky batting gloves.
He never loses his calm, even when sledged by opponents.
He loves homemade modaks, a Maharashtrian sweet.
Rahane’s Major Records & Highlights
Over 5000 runs in Test cricket with an average of around 38.
12 Test centuries, including overseas hundreds in England, Australia, South Africa, and West Indies.
Only Indian captain to win a Test series at the Gabba after 32 years.
Holds record for most catches in a Test match by a non-wicketkeeper (8 catches).
Key role in CSK’s IPL wins with mature batting.
Life Lessons from Ajinkya Rahane’s Journey
Rahane’s life shows us that being humble and honest always wins. He never fights with critics or shows off. He believes in silent hard work. His calm nature under pressure has won India many Tests.
He reminds young players that your character matters as much as your shots. He stayed strong even when dropped. He took domestic cricket seriously and never complained.
His story teaches us that you can be strong without shouting. You can lead without showing ego.
