As Ajinkya Rahane worked his way to a maiden Test century against New Zealand at Wellington yesterday, I couldn't help think about the time when as selector, I had had to reject his pleas to allow him to play for Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) in the 2003-04 season.


India's Ajinkya Rahane plays a horizontal bat shot en route his maiden century against NZ on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images 

I had to do this with a very, very heavy heart and, to be very honest, that guilt has stayed with me all these years. This 15-year-old was a bundle of talent and would walk into any RCF XI. Yet, I had to say 'NO' every time he said, "Please, sir"!