Ajinkya Rahane retires from all cricket formats after a glorious 17-year career. Read about his Test legacy, Australia heroics and memorable innings.
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that lasted nearly two decades. Known for his calm temperament, technical skills and ability to perform under pressure, Rahane shared an emotional farewell message announcing that he was stepping away from the game with immediate effect.
The 38-year-old batter, who last featured in competitive cricket during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, concluded his international career after representing India across all three formats. Rahane played 85 Test matches, 90 ODIs and 20 T20 Internationals for the country.
“The Timing Feels Right”: Rahane Announces Retirement
While announcing his decision, Rahane said that every journey has a beginning and an end, and he felt the time was right to move forward.
In an emotional video message, Rahane said that timing has always been important in his batting and he believes the timing is now right to announce his retirement from international cricket and all formats.
The former India batter signed off by proudly mentioning his Test cap number, marking the end of a journey filled with memorable performances and achievements.
A Career That Started in 2011
Rahane made his international debut for India in 2011 during a T20 International against England. He made an immediate impact by scoring 69 runs off 31 balls while opening the innings.
Soon after, he made his ODI debut against England in Durham, where he played a composed innings of 40 runs. However, he had to wait until 2013 to earn his Test debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Although his first Test appearance did not bring success, Rahane soon became one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen.
The Backbone of India’s Test Middle Order
After the retirement of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, India’s middle order saw a new era with players like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane taking responsibility.
Rahane established himself as a key player, especially in overseas conditions. His ability to handle fast bowling and challenging pitches made him one of India’s most trusted overseas performers.
He scored 5,077 runs in 85 Test matches, becoming a crucial part of India’s Test success during a golden period.
Historic Overseas Performances Made Him Special
Rahane’s career was highlighted by several unforgettable performances outside India.
His century at Lord’s in 2014 played a major role in India’s historic Test victory at the iconic venue after 28 years.
He also scored memorable hundreds in New Zealand and Australia, proving his ability to deliver in difficult conditions against some of the world’s best bowling attacks.
His performances in SENA countries — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia — earned him the reputation of being one of India’s finest overseas Test specialists.
Captain Rahane’s Australian Glory
One of the biggest highlights of Rahane’s career came during India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign.
After Virat Kohli returned home following India’s shocking collapse for 36 runs in Adelaide, Rahane took charge of a young Indian team.
Leading from the front, Rahane scored a match-winning century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), helping India make a strong comeback.
Despite injuries and a depleted squad, Rahane guided India to a famous Test series victory in Australia. The team also achieved the historic Gabba win, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.
ODI and T20 Career
Although Test cricket remained Rahane’s strongest format, he also contributed to India’s limited-overs teams.
He played 90 ODIs, scoring 2,962 runs, while representing India in 20 T20 Internationals, where he accumulated 375 runs.
In domestic cricket, Rahane remained a major name for Mumbai. His first-class record places him among Mumbai’s highest run-scorers, reflecting his consistency over the years.
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A Tough End to International Career
Rahane was eventually dropped from India’s Test squad after a difficult series in South Africa. However, he made a comeback during the 2023 World Test Championship Final, where he impressed with scores of 89 and 46.
His return to the national side was short-lived, and his final appearance for India came in a Test match against West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.
An Emotional Goodbye to Cricket
During his retirement announcement, Rahane became emotional while remembering his journey from a young boy travelling from Dombivli for practice sessions to representing India at the highest level.
He thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association, teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family and fans for their support throughout his career.
Rahane admitted that cricket taught him valuable lessons through both victories and defeats. He said that although he experienced failures on the field, the love and support of fans remained his biggest achievement.
A Legacy of Calmness, Courage and Commitment
Ajinkya Rahane may not have always been the loudest name in Indian cricket, but his contribution will always hold a special place in history.
From overseas centuries to leading India to a historic Australian triumph, Rahane’s career represents patience, discipline and commitment towards the game.
With his retirement, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its most dependable Test match warriors.
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