Picture : @BCCI/X
Senior batter Ajinkya Rahane, who famously led an injury-ravaged Indian team to an improbable Test series win over Australia in 2021, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, saying that the time is right for him to “move on”.
he 38-year-old played an overall 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India in a career which began in 2013. However, he has not turned up for India since the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies but maintained even until this year’s IPL that he would not give up on the dream of a comeback.
Class. Timing. Resilience 💙
The numbers behind one of our most dependable match-winners ever 🫡#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAjinkya | @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/A8xCD1R2st
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 30, 2026
“Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats,” Rahane said in a social media post.
“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,” Rahane said in a video message on Instagram, that was captioned ‘Cap number 278, signing off’.
One of his final appearance for India came in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 against Australia where he top-scored in the first innings with 89.
The right-handed batter scored 5,077 runs in Tests at 38.46 with 12 centuries and 26 fifties, while in 90 ODIs, he made 2,962 runs at 35.26 including three tons and 24 fifties. In 20 T20Is, Rahane made 375 runs.
Rahane’s biggest moment came in 2021 when he famously stood in for regular skipper Virat Kohli as a heavily depleted India defeated Australia in their own backyard 2-1, beating all calculations and predictions.
“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 in his farewell message.
Soon after Rahane’s retirement team- mates and lauded his career
Virat Kohli, Former India Captain
Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless. 🤝🇮🇳@ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/bHGaas41gO
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 30, 2026
Rohit Sharma , Former India Captain
We’ve shared the dressing room for so many years and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you’ve achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart.
Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes! @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/r7eXb1yrUz— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 30, 2026
Suryakumar Yadav, Former India T20I Captain
Congratulations on an incredible career, Ajju da. It was an honour sharing the field and dressing room with you. Your calmness, resilience and commitment to the game have inspired so many of us. Wishing you and your family all the very best for this exciting second innings. May… pic.twitter.com/nfoM6yOAo4
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) July 30, 2026
