BCCI Reacts After Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement From All Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday paid tribute to veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane after he announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats of the game. Rahane shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that spanned nearly two decades. In a message posted on X, the BCCI thanked the experienced cricketer for his contributions to Indian cricket and wished him success in the next phase of his life.

In its tribute, the BCCI said, "An illustrious career comes to an end. Thank you @ajinkyarahane88 for your immense contribution to Indian cricket and all the memories that will be cherished forever. Wishing you the very best in your next chapter." Rahane leaves the game as one of India's most dependable batters, particularly in Test cricket, where he often played crucial innings under challenging overseas conditions.

Rahane represented India in 85 Test matches, scoring 5,077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46. His Test record includes 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 49.50. In One-Day Internationals, he played 90 matches and scored 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, registering three centuries and 24 fifties. He also featured in 20 T20 Internationals, accumulating 375 runs, including one half-century.

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One of the defining aspects of Rahane's career was his successful stint as India's Test captain. He remained unbeaten as captain, recording four victories and two draws, and holds the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led the side in at least five matches. His leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is widely regarded as one of the finest chapters in Indian cricket history.

Under Rahane's captaincy, India recovered from the Adelaide defeat to secure a memorable victory in Melbourne before scripting a historic series win at the Gabba, ending Australia's long unbeaten run at the Brisbane venue and clinching the series 2-1. He also captained India to a Test victory over Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and led the team to a win against Afghanistan in 2018. As tributes continue to pour in from the cricketing fraternity, Rahane's legacy as a reliable batter, composed leader and respected ambassador of Indian cricket is set to endure for years to come.

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