- India,
- 30-Jul-2026 12:21 PM IST
Ajinkya Rahane, a prominent figure in Indian cricket and widely regarded as a Test specialist, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The veteran batsman shared this significant update through a post on his social media handles, marking the end of an illustrious career. Rahane had been away from the national team setup for some time, and his decision comes at a juncture where his return to the squad seemed increasingly unlikely.
The Context of Retirement
The announcement follows the recent selection of the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Ajinkya Rahane's name was notably absent from the team list once again. It's believed that after being overlooked for this series, Rahane decided to move on from international cricket, having realized that the doors for a comeback were effectively closed, while his last appearance for the Indian team was in 2023, after which he remained on the sidelines of international selection.
A Look at His International Career
Ajinkya Rahane represented India across all three formats of the game: Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals. While he showcased his skills in every format, Test cricket remained his most preferred and successful arena. He even shouldered the responsibility of leading the Indian team in several matches in the longest format of the game.
His journey in international cricket began with the shortest format. Rahane made his T20 International debut in August 2011. However, his stint in T20Is was relatively short-lived, with his final match in this format occurring in 2016. According to the records, he played his first ODI for India in September 2016. His ODI career saw him being a regular part of the team until 2018, after which he was unable to make a return to the 50-over format. His Test debut, the format where he would leave his greatest mark, took place in 2013.
Statistical Achievements
Rahane's most extensive and impactful career was in Test cricket. From his debut in 2013 until 2024, he played 85 Test matches for India. During this period, he amassed a total of 5077 runs. His Test record includes 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, cementing his status as a pillar of the Indian middle order.
In the ODI format, Rahane participated in 90 matches, scoring 2962 runs. His performance in One Day Internationals included 3 centuries and 24 half-centuries. In T20 Internationals, he appeared in 20 matches and managed to score 375 runs, which included one half-century.
Unbeaten Captaincy Record
Beyond his batting, Ajinkya Rahane's leadership was highly regarded. He captained the Indian team in a total of 6 matches. Under his leadership, India secured victory in 4 matches, while the remaining 2 matches ended in a draw. Remarkably, the Indian team never lost a match under his captaincy. One of the most significant highlights of his career was leading the Indian team to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia in 2021.
An Emotional Farewell
In the video post shared on social media, Rahane appeared deeply emotional as he reflected on his journey. He spoke about the time he spent with the Indian team and how he gave his absolute best for the country. Rahane expressed that the time has come for him to move forward in his career, while although he's saying goodbye to international cricket, he conveyed his desire to remain associated with the sport.
Rahane shared a philosophical perspective on his retirement, stating that the reality of life is that everything has a beginning and an end. He emphasized that when the right time arrives, one must respect it and move forward, while his message resonated with fans as he acknowledged the natural progression of a sportsperson's life.
