India's out-of-favour batter Ajinkya Rahane is currently leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-2025 semifinal against Vidarbha. Rahane has been India's star batter and has played some instrumental knocks for them over the time. Rahane might have come a long way but he experienced a fair share of hardships including his partents before bursting into the scene. Rahane recently opened up on his family's early financial hardships. He recounted how, upon breaking into the national team, he opted for a used WagonR rather than a more expensive vehicle to manage his finances.
While Rahane is currently not part of the Indian national team, his contributions to the country's cricket are undeniable. He has represented India in all three formats, but it was in Test cricket where he truly distinguished himself, becoming a mainstay of the middle order and known for his crucial innings under pressure.
Ajinkya Rahane was a cornerstone of India's middle order, renowned for his consistency in both home and overseas conditions. He established himself as a match-winner and continues to work diligently in the domestic circuit, in a bid to make a comeback into Team India's fold.
Rahane talked about the financial struggles his family faced during his early years. He shared that his mother took on babysitting jobs to supplement the family income, as his father's earnings were insufficient. Rahane said that he remembers these challenges vividly, which helps him stay grounded.
"I used to come from Dombivali. The train journey was the most challenging for me, and I used to travel alone from the age of 8 because my father had to go to the office. I come from a lower-middle-class family," Rahane told Indian Express.
"My mother used to babysit to earn extra money because my father's salary wasn't enough to make ends meet. Those memories are in my mind and that is why I try to be grounded. This fame and money has come only due to this game," he added.
Rahane further explained that his family instilled in him the importance of spending only when necessary. He recounted how, in his early days, he didn't own a car and relied on lifts from fellow cricketers like Nilesh Kulkarni, Avishkar Salvi, or Pravin Tambe.
"This is where my family values came in. They never said don't spend, but they only said if it's needed, do it. I bought a car very late in my life, I used to take a lift from Nilesh Kulkarni, Avishkar Salvi or Pravin Tambe. I bought a second-hand WagonR when I played for India. People said bada car le but for me it was about travelling in comfort. I wanted to invest wisely. After two years, I bought a Honda City," he concluded.
Rahane is currently busy in Ranji Trophy semifinal where he is spearheading the Mumbai side in the clash against Vidarbha. Talking about the match, Vidarbha rode on brilliant fifties from Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar to end the Day 1's play with 308/5 on the board.