Cap 278 signing off: Ajinkya Rahane retires from all forms of cricket
One of India’s most prolific Test batters, Ajinkya Rahane has bid farewell to all forms of the game. He took to social media to announce his retirement from the 22 yards. Rahane donned the Indian colours across all formats, playing 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is.
Apart from his individual calibre as a batter, he also led India’s historic conquest of the Gabbatoir back in 2020-21. That was a statement and a half from Rahane after India had been bundled out for a paltry 36 in the first Test of the series.
Rahane played his last competitive match for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. He finished his international career with a tally of 5,077 Test runs at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries, 2,962 ODI runs at 35.26 with three tons, and 375 T20I runs at 20.83 at a strike rate of 113.29. He also led India in six Tests, of which they secured four wins and drew two.
In a video posted on Instagram, Rahane said, “I’ve always relied on timing in my batting, and I’ve always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days traveling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had.”
The post further stated, “Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty, and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you.”
It continued, “Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously, and I feel so proud to have been a part of it over the last 20 years. 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 the sport has taught me, and giving back to the game that has given me everything.”
The statement concluded, “To the BCCI, the MCA, my team-mates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you. And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every highs and lows,” he said while holding back tears.
