Ajinkya Rahane opts out of Leicestershire stint to take a break

Ajinkya Rahane has decided to withdraw from his stint with Leicestershire after returning to the Indian Test side. He was due to represent them in the One-Day Cup but instead will take the months of August and September off after non-stop cricket. 

He was called up to the Indian side after over a year's absence for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, where he scored 89 and 46. He was also picked as the side's vice-captain for their tour of the West Indies but returned with scores of three and eight in his two innings.

Rahane returned to the Indian team after an impressive Ranji Trophy and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 stint.

Australia batter Peter Handscomb, who has represented Leicestershire in the County and the T20 Blast, will extend his stay with the team and will be Rahane's replacement for the One-Day Cup.

"We are fully understanding of Ajinkya's situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and travelling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family," Claude Henderson, Leicestershire's director of cricket, said

"We have been in constant communication with Ajinkya and accept how situations can change quickly in cricket. He is extremely grateful for our understanding and still hopes to play for Leicestershire one day.

"Thankfully, we had planned for a situation like this, and we are delighted Peter is staying on with the team. He brings many qualities alongside his batting and wicketkeeping, including strong leadership, which is a massive help to Lewis [Hill] and the rest of the guys in our changing room."

Leicestershire begin their One-Day Cup campaign against Surrey at The Oval on August 3.