Ajinkya Rahane gets Bandra plot, once Gavaskar’s: to build sports academy
The cricket academy aims to provide state-of-the-art training facilities for aspiring cricketers in Mumbai
In a significant move for Indian cricket, veteran middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane gets Bandra plot as he has been allotted a 2,000 square-meter plot in Bandra to establish a state-of-the-art sports facility, including a cricket academy. This plot, once earmarked for cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar to create an indoor cricket center back in 1988, was reclaimed by the government in 2022 due to prolonged inactivity.
The decision: a 30-year lease
The Maharashtra cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the lease during a meeting on Monday. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) highlighted the deteriorating condition of the plot, which had unfortunately become a target for misuse by nearby slum dwellers. A resolution by MHADA recommending the land for Rahane’s academy was quickly endorsed by the cabinet.
In an outpouring of gratitude, Rahane took to Instagram to share his excitement about the land allocation, thanking the government and expressing his commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure for future generations.
“It’s a dream come true,” he wrote, reflecting his deep passion for the game and dedication to nurturing young talent.
Rahane’s cricket journey
Since his international debut in 2011, Rahane has made a remarkable impact, playing 195 matches across all formats for India and accumulating 8,414 runs an impressive tally that includes 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. His prowess is particularly notable in Test cricket, where he has scored 5,077 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 38.46, with a personal best of 188.
Despite a recent lull in his international appearances, with his last Test match against the West Indies in July 2022, Rahane has continued to shine in the domestic circuit. He played for Leicestershire in the County Championship, scoring 202 runs in three matches, which included a century. His performance in the One Day Cup, where he averaged 42.00 over 10 matches, further demonstrates his enduring skills.
Beyond his international accolades, Rahane has been a stalwart of Mumbai’s first-class cricket scene. With 13,427 runs in 191 matches at an impressive average of 45.51 and a highest score of 265, his legacy in Indian cricket is firmly established.
With the establishment of this cricket academy, Rahane aims to not only hone future cricketing stars but also to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey.
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