Mumbai, Jul 30: Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on a distinguished career highlighted by his inspirational leadership during India’s historic Test series triumph in Australia in 2020-21.
The 38-year-old, who last represented India during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies, shared the announcement through a video message on his Instagram account, saying it was the right time to move on.
“Every journey has a beginning and an end. When that moment arrives, it is important to accept it with grace and move forward. Timing has always been central to my batting, and I have always believed in recognising the right time,” Rahane said.
Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals after making his international debut in 2013. He amassed 5,077 runs in Tests at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs with three centuries and 24 fifties, while he accumulated 375 runs in T20Is.
One of the defining moments of Rahane’s career came during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21. Taking over the captaincy after Virat Kohli returned home following the opening Test, Rahane led an injury-hit Indian side to a remarkable 2-1 Test series victory, widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Indian cricket history.
His final major contribution in Indian colours came during the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 against Australia, where he top-scored with 89 runs in the first innings.
Although he remained outside the national selectors’ plans in recent years, Rahane continued to feature prominently in domestic cricket and led Mumbai until the 2024-25 season. Under his captaincy, Mumbai lifted a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season after defeating Vidarbha in the final.
Reflecting on his journey, Rahane said he always placed the team above personal milestones.
“I always believed in putting my country and team ahead of myself. I played the game with honesty and dedication, and I feel fortunate to have been part of Indian cricket’s remarkable growth over the past two decades,” he said.
While confirming that his international playing career has ended, Rahane said he intends to remain involved in the sport by mentoring young cricketers and contributing to the game’s development.
“My chapter as an Indian cricketer has ended, but my relationship with the game continues. I look forward to guiding the next generation, sharing the lessons cricket has taught me and giving back to the sport that has given me everything,” he added.
