Mumbai’s Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket
A distinguished international career concludes
Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned nearly a decade and a half. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated Rahane on his contributions, highlighting his consistent performance and leadership. Rahane’s decision was shared through an emotional video on social media, prompting tributes from across the cricketing world.
Throughout his career, Rahane was regarded as one of India’s most reliable performers, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. His calm demeanor, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans. He was known for his elegant batting style and technical proficiency, which allowed him to succeed when conditions were demanding.
Rahane’s international career saw him score more than 8,000 runs across all formats. In 85 Tests, he accumulated 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, at an average of 38.46. He also played in 90 One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 2,962 runs with three centuries and 24 fifties at an average of 35.26. Additionally, he featured in 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is), where he scored 375 runs, including one half-century.
Leadership and memorable triumphs
One of Rahane’s most significant achievements came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed the captaincy after India faced a difficult loss in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a team facing injuries and inexperience, Rahane led from the front.
His leadership during this period was marked by clarity of thought and sound judgment. He instilled belief in his teammates, guiding them to a memorable series victory. This included a crucial century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which helped level the series, and culminated in a historic win at The Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record at the venue.
As India’s Test captain, Rahane maintained an unbeaten record, leading the team in six matches with four wins and two draws. He also captained India to a significant Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017. His leadership during these periods showcased his ability to guide the team through adversity.
Tributes from the cricketing fraternity
Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, praised Rahane, stating that his career exemplifies putting the team first. Manhas highlighted Rahane’s performances in some of the toughest conditions globally and his role as one of India’s most dependable overseas batters. He specifically acknowledged Rahane’s leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a defining chapter in Indian Cricket.
Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, also offered his gratitude, commending Rahane for his sincerity and integrity. Saikia noted that Rahane’s contributions extended beyond his runs, emphasizing his thoughtful leadership and the example he set for younger players, which strengthened every team he represented.
Among the many tributes, Rohit Sharma, Rahane’s former teammate and captain, shared a heartfelt message. Sharma praised Rahane’s hard work, commitment, and professionalism, stating that these qualities always set him apart. He extended his best wishes for Rahane’s future endeavors, acknowledging their shared time in the dressing room.
Rahane’s humility, professionalism, and willingness to prioritize the team earned him admiration. His journey is expected to continue inspiring young cricketers across the country, leaving a lasting impact on the game.
Source: bcci.tv
