Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined BBC Sport’s commentary panel for the sixth edition of The Hundred, becoming the only Indian voice on the broadcaster’s star-studded team for the 2026 season.
Rahane is part of an experienced lineup that includes former England pacer Mark Wood, ex-New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin, England opener Emilio Gay, Isa Guha, Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Dawid Malan and Carlos Brathwaite, among others.
The Hundred 2026 began on July 21, marking a new era for the competition following private investment and refreshed team identities. Defending men’s champions MI London opened their title defence with a victory over Sunrisers Leeds, while the defending women’s champions, Sunrisers Leeds, also started their campaign with a win.
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Rahane said he was delighted to return to the UK “with the microphone instead of the bat” and looked forward to being part of BBC’s coverage throughout the tournament.
Rahane brings vast international experience to the commentary box. The veteran batter famously captained India to a historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after taking over the leadership midway through the tour. He is also regarded as one of India’s finest overseas performers, with Test centuries in England, Australia and New Zealand.
His inclusion provides valuable insight from one of India’s most accomplished Test cricketers as The Hundred enters a transformative new chapter in its sixth season.
