According to a club statement, senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane will not join English county side Leicestershire as previously planned because he needs a break from cricket after a busy international schedule. He was going to join the county club in June, but his arrival was pushed back due to increased international commitments. He flew straight to England after the IPL for the World Test Championship final before heading on India's Test tour of the West Indies this month.
Rahane has now expressed his desire to take a break from cricket during August and September, meaning he will not feature for Leicestershire as planned.
Director of Cricket Claude Henderson said in a statement issued by the club that, "Firstly, we are fully understanding of Ajinkya's situation. He has experienced a hectic schedule in recent months, both in India and traveling with the national team, and we accept his wishes to recover and spend some time with his family."
Australian Peter Handscomb will replace Rahane. "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."