Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade across all three formats.
The 38-year-old shared the news through a video message on social media, saying he believes the time is right to step away from representing India at the international level.
Reflecting on his decision, Rahane said timing has always played an important role in his cricket career, both on and off the field. He added that he now looks forward to contributing to the game in new ways and supporting the next generation of cricketers.
A Successful International Career
Rahane represented India in 85 Test matches, 90 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 T20 Internationals. During his Test career, he scored 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries, earning a reputation as one of India’s most dependable batters, particularly in overseas conditions.
Known for his calm approach and solid technique, Rahane often delivered important performances on challenging pitches outside the subcontinent.
Memorable Leadership in Australia
One of the defining moments of Rahane’s career came during India’s historic 2020-21 Test series in Australia.
After regular captain Virat Kohli returned home following the opening Test, Rahane took charge of a team dealing with injuries and setbacks. India bounced back from a difficult start to level the series with a memorable victory in Melbourne before securing a draw in Sydney and completing a famous win at Brisbane’s Gabba.
Under Rahane’s leadership, India claimed a 2-1 series victory, marking one of the country’s greatest overseas Test achievements.
Looking Ahead
Although his international career has come to an end, Rahane made it clear that he intends to remain involved in cricket. He expressed pride in being part of Indian cricket’s growth over the past two decades and said he hopes to help develop future talent.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also paid tribute to Rahane, describing him as one of India’s most dependable international batters and acknowledging his valuable contributions to the game.
Rahane leaves behind a legacy of consistency, leadership, and memorable performances that earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and cricket fans around the world.
