Experienced Indian batsman and former captain Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. Under his captaincy, India secured a historic victory in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Having played 85 Test matches, Rahane scored 5,077 runs, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batsman for the Indian team.
Kathmandu, 14 Shrawan – Rahane made his decision public on Thursday via social media. He stated that after playing 85 Test matches, 90 One Day Internationals, and 20 Twenty20 Internationals, it is time for him to conclude his cricketing journey. He said, “I have understood the value of time at the crease, and I believe now is the right moment to announce my retirement.”
Rahane made his debut for India in the 2013 home Test series against Australia. Throughout his 85 Tests, he accumulated 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries, of which eight were scored abroad. During his tenure as captain, India achieved historic success. At the Adelaide Test, after being dismissed for 36 runs, with Virat Kohli having returned home, Rahane took over the team’s leadership.
He expressed gratitude towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mumbai Cricket Association, his coaches, teammates, IPL franchises, family, and supporters. Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, described Rahane’s retirement as the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket.
