Rahane discusses two-year wait and partnership with Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has opened up about the patience required to launch his international career and the successful partnership he forged with Virat Kohli, reflecting on his journey following his recent retirement. In interviews released this week, Rahane detailed the two-year wait as a squad player before his Test debut and shed light on the dynamic that made his pairing with Kohli one of India's most productive.

Rahane, who announced his retirement from international cricket last week after a 15-year career, revealed he spent nearly two years as the 12th man for approximately 20 matches after joining the Test squad in 2011 before earning his debut. He described the period as difficult but formative, choosing to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. He credited his upbringing in Mumbai and advice from senior players for teaching him the patience necessary for a long career.

Once established, Rahane became a mainstay in India's middle order, playing 85 Tests and scoring 5,077 runs with 12 centuries. He earned a reputation as a dependable overseas batter, with eight of his Test hundreds coming outside India. Reflecting on his career...