Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 12-year career in which he represented India across all three formats.
Rahane, 37, confirmed his decision in a video posted on social media, saying the time had come to move on from international cricket. His last appearance for India came in the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.
“I’ve always relied on timing in my batting, and I’ve always understood its importance,” Rahane said. “Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”
Rahane made his Test debut during India’s home series against Australia in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of the pillars of the batting line-up. He went on to play 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. Renowned for his performances in challenging overseas conditions, eight of his Test hundreds came away from home.
He also represented India in 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20Is, scoring 2,962 ODI runs at an average of 35.26 with three centuries, and 375 T20I runs.
The defining chapter of Rahane’s career came during India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia. After India were bowled out for just 36 in the opening Test in Adelaide and regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, Rahane took charge of the side and orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in Test history.
His century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne laid the foundation for India’s revival before the visitors sealed a remarkable 2-1 series victory with an injury-hit squad by winning the final Test at the Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the venue.
Rahane captained India in six Tests overall, winning four and drawing the other two, finishing his stint as captain unbeaten. Reflecting on his journey, Rahane recalled the sacrifices he made from a young age to pursue cricket.
“From those early days travelling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had,” he said.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters, especially in overseas conditions, Rahane leaves the international game as one of the key figures in India’s rise as a formidable Test side over the past decade.
