Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket, brings curtain down on distinguished India career

Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on a distinguished career spanning more than a decade in which he established himself as one of India's most dependable overseas performers and led one of the country's greatest Test triumphs.

The 38-year-old, who last played for India during the 2023 Test series in the West Indies, had continued to harbour hopes of an international comeback, reiterating as recently as this year's Indian Premier League that his dream of wearing the India cap remained alive. However, the veteran batter said the time had come to move on.

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"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its important. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my requirement from international cricket, and all formats," Rahane said in a video message posted on Instagram, captioned "Cap number 278, signing off."

Rahane finishes his international career with 5,077 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He also represented India in 90 One-Day Internationals, scoring 2,962 runs with three hundreds and 24 fifties, besides making 375 runs in 20 T20 Internationals.

His defining moment came during India's historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia. After regular captain Virat Kohli returned home following the opening Test in Adelaide, where India were bowled out for 36 in the second innings, Rahane took charge of an injury-hit side missing several first-choice players, including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja in the latter stages of the series. Under his calm leadership, India scripted an improbable 2-1 series victory, highlighted by Rahane's match-winning century in Melbourne and the famous victory at Brisbane's Gabba, where Australia had not lost a Test in over three decades.

Reflecting on his journey, Rahane credited the game for shaping him both as a cricketer and a person.

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"From those early days, travelling from Dombivali as a young boy, just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap," he said.

The Mumbai batter said he always put the team ahead of individual milestones and intends to remain connected with the sport.

"I lived by one single rule, only support my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty, and I always believe that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you."

"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 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," he added.

Rahane remained a prominent figure in domestic cricket after falling out of favour with the national selectors, leading Mumbai to a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season. A seasoned IPL campaigner, he represented Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and, most recently, Kolkata Knight Riders, reinventing his batting style in the latter half of his career. Across 212 IPL matches, he amassed 5,367 runs at a strike rate of 125.60, including two centuries and 35 fifties.

Ending his farewell message on an emotional note, Rahane reflected on the highs and lows of his career.

"There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams, and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career."

"Ajinkya means unbeatable. But cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often, then we succeed."

"My team has lost matches. I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your heart. You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love. Your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off," he said.