Ajinkya Rahane Retires After 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is

Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade at the international level. The 38-year-old confirmed the decision through a social media post on Thursday, revealing that he was stepping away not only from international cricket but also from the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Rahane had continued to feature in franchise and domestic competitions despite not being a regular in the national team in recent years.

Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals, scoring more than 8,000 international runs across formats. Renowned for his technically sound batting and composed temperament, he established himself as one of India's most dependable performers, particularly in overseas conditions. His most memorable achievement came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he captained an injury-hit Indian side to a historic 2-1 Test series victory in Australia after leading from the front with a century in the Melbourne Test.

In his retirement message, Rahane wrote, "Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful," alongside a video reflecting on his cricketing journey. His final appearance for India came during the 2023 Test tour of the West Indies. Before that, he last represented the country in One-Day Internationals against England in 2018, while his final T20 International appearance came against the West Indies in 2016.

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Although his international career had effectively concluded, Rahane remained an active figure in domestic and franchise cricket. He captained the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League over the past two seasons, though the team failed to secure a playoff berth during his tenure. He also continued to represent Mumbai in domestic red-ball cricket, maintaining his reputation as an experienced campaigner and mentor for younger players.

Paying tribute to the veteran batter, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik described Rahane as one of Mumbai cricket's finest ambassadors. He praised Rahane's dedication, calmness under pressure and unwavering commitment to excellence, saying his contributions to Indian cricket would continue to inspire future generations. Apart from his batting, Rahane earned widespread recognition for his exceptional slip fielding, making him a key member of India's Test setup for several years.

Rahane's retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by resilience, humility and leadership. From playing crucial innings in challenging overseas conditions to guiding India to one of its greatest Test series triumphs, he leaves behind a lasting legacy in Indian cricket. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his selfless approach to the game, ensured his place among the country's most respected cricketers of the modern era.

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