Ajinkya Rahane, one of India’s most accomplished overseas batters and the captain who guided the team to a historic Test series victory in Australia, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career spanning all three formats.
The 38-year-old represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals. He finished his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, while also scoring 2,962 runs in ODIs and 375 runs in T20Is.
Announcing his decision in a video posted on Instagram, Rahane said, “When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting, and I’ve always understood its importance. Today, I feel that it is right for me to move on, and announce my retirement from international cricket, and all formats.”
Rahane’s greatest contribution came during India’s memorable tour of Australia in 2020-21. Taking over the captaincy after Virat Kohli returned home following the Adelaide Test, he led an injury-hit side to a remarkable 2-1 series victory. His unbeaten century in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground helped revive India’s campaign before the series ended with the famous triumph at the Gabba.
Reflecting on his journey, Rahane said, “From those early days, travelling from Dombivli as a young boy, just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat. The dream was always to wear the India cap.”
A product of Mumbai cricket, Rahane established himself with consistent performances away from home after making his Test debut in 2013. His maiden Test century came in Wellington in 2014, while his memorable 103 at Lord’s later that year played a key role in India’s first Test victory at the venue in 28 years. He also scored centuries in Melbourne, Colombo and Delhi during his international career.
After being dropped from the Test side in 2022, Rahane earned a recall through strong domestic performances and an impressive IPL season, finishing as India’s leading run-scorer in the 2023 World Test Championship final. His last international appearance came against West Indies in July 2023.
Looking ahead, Rahane said he hopes to mentor future cricketers. “While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn’t. I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything.”
Signing off with a message to fans, Rahane said, “Cap number 278, signing off.”
