Ajinkya Rahane's Leicestershire stint for 2024 season ends due to niggle

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane will miss out on Leicestershire's final two County Championship matches due to a niggle, bringing an end to his stint with the side this season. The county's medical department decided to withdraw the Indian batter after 'assessment on a couple of niggles'.

Rahane played the entire One-Day Cup for Leicestershire and boasted impressive numbers with 378 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 89.15 in 10 outings. His heroics helped the side finish second on the Group B points table and qualify for the knockouts.

After winning a thrilling quarter-final by three wickets, Leicestershire lost to Somerset in the semi-final.

Director of Leicestershire cricket, Claude Henderson was disappointed at Rahane missing their final two championship games but thanked the batter for his valuable contributions on and off the field.

"We’re disappointed to lose Ajinkya slightly earlier than planned, but we have to respect the judgement of our medical team and acknowledge this will present an opportunity for another member of our squad to step up and score runs," Henderson said in a statement to leicestershireccc.co.uk.

He added:

"Ajinkya has been a fantastic addition to our changing room and imparted some invaluable knowledge onto our players. It was a pleasure to see how he conducted himself on and off the pitch and he will always be welcome back at Leicestershire."

Rahane wasn't quite at his best in the red-ball format for Leicestershire, scoring only 202 runs at an average of 33.66 with a lone century in three outings.

"I have absolutely loved my time with Leicestershire" - Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane thanked Leicestershire for making him feel welcome throughout the season and expressed his love for the club, teammates, and the fans.

Leicestershire are currently fourth on the County Championship Division Two Points table with two games remaining.

"I have absolutely loved my time with Leicestershire. We played some fantastic cricket, and there a lot of promising signs for the team heading into next season," said the 36-year-old in a statement to leicestershireccc.co.uk.

He added:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside my teammates and working with the coaches to improve my game. It was also a pleasure to meet the Leicestershire supporters and witness their passion for cricket. Everybody made me feel incredibly welcome and I would love to return to the Club again in the future."

Leicestershire will finish their County Championship season with clashes against Northamptonshire and Derbyshire, starting September 17 and 26, respectively.