Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar compared Ajinkya Rahane to Rahul Dravid, saying the ‘selfless’ leader, who led India to an unforgettable and unprecedented Test series win in Australia in 2020/21, didn’t get his credit. Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of the game last week, with several of his teammates, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, paying tribute on social media.&nbsp;After India were bowled out for 36 in the series opener in Adelaide and eventually lost it by 10 wickets, which was also regular captain Virat Kohli’s last Test on the tour, Rahane led an inexperienced Test team to a shocking 2-1 series win, including winning the famous Gabba Test. With no big names around and trailing 1-0 after the first Test, Rahane’s captaincy scripted history for India.&nbsp; &nbsp;Comparing his unparalleled feat with those of Dravid’s Test captaincy record, Gavaskar wrote, “His record as a skipper is exceptional, with four wins out of six and no losses. Like Rahul Dravid, who also had some terrific wins under his captaincy but never got the credit he deserved, so also Rahane’s leadership hardly got the applause that it merited.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-sydney-sixers-record-bbl-deal-aud-600000-1785845314072">Ben Stokes eyes record BBL deal as Sydney Sixers emerge as frontrunners: Report</a> &nbsp;Gavaskar didn’t shy away from criticising the fans’ tendency to overlook the captain’s role when the team succeeds. &nbsp;“This is typical of Indian cricket. When the team wins, all praise goes to the individual achievers, be it batters and bowlers, but when the team loses, the captain and the coach get the blame,” he further wrote. &nbsp;Looking back at the incredible series of events during that four-match Test series, Gavaskar pointed out how Rahane’s captaincy turned the tables for India, culminating in breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba. &nbsp;“After the demoralising collapse of 36 all out in the first Test of the 2021 series Down Under, it was Rahane, along with Ravi Shastri, who picked the team from the dumps. The vice-captain took over a ship that was ready to sink and not only sailed it into calmer waters but also gave India an unprecedented first win at Australia’s fortress ‘The Gabba’ and with it the series victory too,” wrote Gavaskar.&nbsp; &nbsp;“In fact, in the final Test of the series, when most of the top players were unavailable due to injury, India pulled off one of its greatest victories in Test cricket. It proved once again, if ever it was needed, that nobody is indispensable in this game,” he added.<h3>Gavaskar’s highest praise for Rahane</h3>Gavaskar concluded by lauding Rahane for carrying himself and helping India taste enormous success during his time as a cricketer. &nbsp;“Rahane leaves the game with his head held high and the sincere thanks of cricket lovers for the totally selfless way he played the game. It’s not of many cricketers that it can be said that they did not have a single enemy in the game. There are perhaps less than a dozen, to the best of my knowledge and experience. Ajinkya Rahane can take his place there with his typical humility,” Gavaskar concluded.

Sunil Gavaskar has paid a glowing tribute to retired cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, comparing his selfless leadership to Rahul Dravid and calling his Australia series win historic.

Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar compared Ajinkya Rahane to Rahul Dravid, saying the ‘selfless’ leader, who led India to an unforgettable and unprecedented Test series win in Australia in 2020/21, didn’t get his credit. Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of the game last week, with several of his teammates, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, paying tribute on social media. After India were bowled out for 36 in the series opener in Adelaide and eventually lost it by 10 wickets, which was also regular captain Virat Kohli’s last Test on the tour, Rahane led an inexperienced Test team to a shocking 2-1 series win, including winning the famous Gabba Test. With no big names around and trailing 1-0 after the first Test, Rahane’s captaincy scripted history for India. Comparing his unparalleled feat with those of Dravid’s Test captaincy record, Gavaskar wrote, “His record as a skipper is exceptional, with four wins out of six and no losses. Like Rahul Dravid, who also had some terrific wins under his captaincy but never got the credit he deserved, so also Rahane’s leadership hardly got the applause that it merited.” Also read | Ben Stokes eyes record BBL deal as Sydney Sixers emerge as frontrunners: Report Gavaskar didn’t shy away from criticising the fans’ tendency to overlook the captain’s role when the team succeeds. “This is typical of Indian cricket. When the team wins, all praise goes to the individual achievers, be it batters and bowlers, but when the team loses, the captain and the coach get the blame,” he further wrote. Looking back at the incredible series of events during that four-match Test series, Gavaskar pointed out how Rahane’s captaincy turned the tables for India, culminating in breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba. “After the demoralising collapse of 36 all out in the first Test of the 2021 series Down Under, it was Rahane, along with Ravi Shastri, who picked the team from the dumps. The vice-captain took over a ship that was ready to sink and not only sailed it into calmer waters but also gave India an unprecedented first win at Australia’s fortress ‘The Gabba’ and with it the series victory too,” wrote Gavaskar. “In fact, in the final Test of the series, when most of the top players were unavailable due to injury, India pulled off one of its greatest victories in Test cricket. It proved once again, if ever it was needed, that nobody is indispensable in this game,” he added. Gavaskar’s highest praise for Rahane Gavaskar concluded by lauding Rahane for carrying himself and helping India taste enormous success during his time as a cricketer. “Rahane leaves the game with his head held high and the sincere thanks of cricket lovers for the totally selfless way he played the game. It’s not of many cricketers that it can be said that they did not have a single enemy in the game. There are perhaps less than a dozen, to the best of my knowledge and experience. Ajinkya Rahane can take his place there with his typical humility,” Gavaskar concluded.

Sunil Gavaskar has paid a glowing tribute to retired cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, comparing his selfless leadership to Rahul Dravid and calling his Australia series win historic.

Sunil Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Ajinkya Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’

IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is without a captain for the next season following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement on Thursday (Jul 30). Unless KKR, the three-time IPL winners, acquire a new captain at the mini-auction later this year or via a trade, team vice-captain Rinku Singh will lead the race to replace Rahane as the side’s new skipper. While Rahane led the franchise for two years after Shreyas Iyer’s departure -- a season after he led his team to its third IPL crown, KKR appointed Rinku as his deputy ahead of the 2026 edition.&nbsp;"Over the years, we've seen Rinku Singh evolve not only as a cricketer but also as a leader," KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had said in the lead-up to IPL 2026.&nbsp; &nbsp;"For the past couple of years, while his performances have spoken for themselves, I think off the field, without saying a lot, he is someone that the team looks forward to [hearing]. &nbsp;"We wanted a little more responsibility for Rinku to shoulder, and I feel it's the perfect time, after being a World Cup champion, to come in, take on that responsibility and help Ajinkya Rahane take the reins over,” he added.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-tribute-ajinkya-rahane-retirement-favourite-batting-partner-1785422674763">‘My Favourite Test Batting Partner’: Kohli pays emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane on retirement</a> &nbsp;Should KKR appoint him as the new captain for IPL 2027, Rinku will enter the leadership fray with limited captaincy experience, although his records speak for itself. Rinku had led Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 title in 2024 before they finished runners-up in 2025, winning 13 of their 18 matches across the two seasons. Besides, he also captained his state team, Uttar Pradesh, in List A cricket since replacing pace great Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.<h2>Narine and Powell in the Fray</h2>If not Rinku, KKR could look at their seasoned performer and their best player for over a decade, spinner Sunil Narine. The longest-serving KKR player since making his franchise debut in 2012, Narine has been part of all three title-winning campaigns. With the ocean of T20 experience and IPL, to be precise, picking him as the next skipper wouldn’t be a step backwards. &nbsp;Moreover, his fellow countryman, Rovman Powell, also stays in contention for the vacant role at KKR. His experience leading the national team would work in his favour, as KKR aims to build a team around the new captain. &nbsp;Should the franchise decide against picking any of these three as their next captain, the December auction would decide KKR's fate in IPL 2027.

With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement, who will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2027? Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell emerge as top skipper candidates.

IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is without a captain for the next season following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement on Thursday (Jul 30). Unless KKR, the three-time IPL winners, acquire a new captain at the mini-auction later this year or via a trade, team vice-captain Rinku Singh will lead the race to replace Rahane as the side’s new skipper. While Rahane led the franchise for two years after Shreyas Iyer’s departure -- a season after he led his team to its third IPL crown, KKR appointed Rinku as his deputy ahead of the 2026 edition. "Over the years, we've seen Rinku Singh evolve not only as a cricketer but also as a leader," KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had said in the lead-up to IPL 2026. "For the past couple of years, while his performances have spoken for themselves, I think off the field, without saying a lot, he is someone that the team looks forward to [hearing]. "We wanted a little more responsibility for Rinku to shoulder, and I feel it's the perfect time, after being a World Cup champion, to come in, take on that responsibility and help Ajinkya Rahane take the reins over,” he added. Also read| ‘My Favourite Test Batting Partner’: Kohli pays emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane on retirement Should KKR appoint him as the new captain for IPL 2027, Rinku will enter the leadership fray with limited captaincy experience, although his records speak for itself. Rinku had led Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 title in 2024 before they finished runners-up in 2025, winning 13 of their 18 matches across the two seasons. Besides, he also captained his state team, Uttar Pradesh, in List A cricket since replacing pace great Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Narine and Powell in the Fray If not Rinku, KKR could look at their seasoned performer and their best player for over a decade, spinner Sunil Narine. The longest-serving KKR player since making his franchise debut in 2012, Narine has been part of all three title-winning campaigns. With the ocean of T20 experience and IPL, to be precise, picking him as the next skipper wouldn’t be a step backwards. Moreover, his fellow countryman, Rovman Powell, also stays in contention for the vacant role at KKR. His experience leading the national team would work in his favour, as KKR aims to build a team around the new captain. Should the franchise decide against picking any of these three as their next captain, the December auction would decide KKR's fate in IPL 2027.

With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement, who will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2027? Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell emerge as top skipper candidates.

Who leads KKR after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement? Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, or someone new?

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli penned an emotional note for his Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Thursday (Jul 30), calling him the safest hands in the slips and his favourite Test batting partner. Kohli and Rahane have stitched several famous partnerships on home and away tours, mainly in Australia, helping India stand tall on almost all occasions. A perfect stand-in captain, Rahane led India to a famous 2-1 Test series win in Australia during the 2020-21 away tour, after Kohli left following the conclusion of the first Test in Adelaide, which India lost by 10 wickets.&nbsp;With an inexperienced squad at the helm and a lack of leadership, Rahane’s guidance helped India sail through the turbulence Down Under. Under his leadership, India made history by becoming the first team to beat Australia in Australia on back-to-back Test tours.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-s-greatest-test-innings-5-knocks-that-defined-his-overseas-legacy-1785396862240">Ajinkya Rahane’s greatest Test innings: 5 knocks that defined his overseas legacy</a> &nbsp;Taking to his social media handles, Rahane’s former India teammate and captain, Kohli, shared a wholesome note for the Mumbai opener, writing, “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.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">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. 🤝🇮🇳<a href="https://x.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> <a href="https://t.co/bHGaas41gO">pic.twitter.com/bHGaas41gO</a>&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://x.com/imVkohli/status/2082813935510835212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rahane made his India debut on the away England tour in 2011 during the white-ball series, showcasing his talent, class and timing in the challenging conditions. After VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s Test retirements in 2012, Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara became regulars in the whites, with Rahane sealing the number five spot for close to a decade. &nbsp;Rahane featured in the 2014 T20 World Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, after which he lost his place in the ODI and T20I teams but remained the cornerstone of India’s Test side. &nbsp;He played 195 matches for India across formats, scoring 8378 runs, including 15 hundreds and 51 fifties. Considered amongst the safest hands in the inner circle and even on the boundaries, as Kohli also mentioned, Rahane picked up 166 catches in total. His best score of 188 came against New Zealand during a home Test in 2016. &nbsp;Known for his composure, stylish technique and unique ability to deliver better in challenging conditions, Rahane played several memorable knocks in South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia and even the West Indies. Good against pace and better against spin, the right-hander also scored over 14,000 first-class runs, averaging close to 45.

Virat Kohli pays an emotional tribute to former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane following his retirement, calling him his favourite Test batting partner and safest slip fielder.

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli penned an emotional note for his Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Thursday (Jul 30), calling him the safest hands in the slips and his favourite Test batting partner. Kohli and Rahane have stitched several famous partnerships on home and away tours, mainly in Australia, helping India stand tall on almost all occasions. A perfect stand-in captain, Rahane led India to a famous 2-1 Test series win in Australia during the 2020-21 away tour, after Kohli left following the conclusion of the first Test in Adelaide, which India lost by 10 wickets. With an inexperienced squad at the helm and a lack of leadership, Rahane’s guidance helped India sail through the turbulence Down Under. Under his leadership, India made history by becoming the first team to beat Australia in Australia on back-to-back Test tours. Also read| Ajinkya Rahane’s greatest Test innings: 5 knocks that defined his overseas legacy Taking to his social media handles, Rahane’s former India teammate and captain, Kohli, shared a wholesome note for the Mumbai opener, writing, “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.”

Virat Kohli pays an emotional tribute to former Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane following his retirement, calling him his favourite Test batting partner and safest slip fielder.

‘My Favourite Test Batting Partner’: Kohli pays emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane on retirement

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday (Jul 30) announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that lasted almost two decades. The 38-year-old shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram, saying he believed it was the right time to step away from international cricket.&nbsp;“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and have always understood its importance,” Rahane said.&nbsp;“Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days, travelling 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 added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-retires-from-international-cricket-1785388583556">Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket</a><h3>From overseas heroics to match-winning displays, here are Ajinkya Rahane’s top five Test innings</h3><ul><li>96 vs South Africa, Durban (2013) In only his second Test, Rahane scored a brave 96 on a difficult pitch against Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. Though he missed a century, he showed he could succeed in overseas conditions.</li><li>118 vs New Zealand, Wellington (2014) Batting at No. 7, Rahane scored his maiden Test century with 118 on a challenging pitch. His knock helped India save the match and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.</li><li>147 vs Australia, Melbourne (2014) Rahane’s stylish 147 against a strong Australian attack helped India fight back after Australia scored 530. It remains one of his finest overseas innings.</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-logic-of-orange-former-hockey-captain-viren-rasquinha-questions-new-india-jersey-1785391545741">'What is logic of orange?': Former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha questions new India jersey</a><ul><li>103 vs England, Lord’s (2014) Rahane’s calm 103 on a green Lord’s pitch came after India were struggling at 145/7 and his century played a key role in India’s first Test win at Lord’s in 28 years.</li><li>112 vs Australia, Melbourne (2020) Leading India after the Adelaide collapse and Virat Kohli’s absence, Rahane scored a match-winning 112. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja guided India to victory in the Boxing Day Test and helped set up their famous series win in Australia.</li></ul>

Ajinkya Rahane’s memorable Test career featured several overseas masterclasses, with his Lord’s century and MCG hundred among his finest performances.

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday (Jul 30) announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that lasted almost two decades. The 38-year-old shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram, saying he believed it was the right time to step away from international cricket. “The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and have always understood its importance,” Rahane said. “Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days, travelling 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 added. Also Read - Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket From overseas heroics to match-winning displays, here are Ajinkya Rahane’s top five Test innings 96 vs South Africa, Durban (2013) In only his second Test, Rahane scored a brave 96 on a difficult pitch against Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. Though he missed a century, he showed he could succeed in overseas conditions. 118 vs New Zealand, Wellington (2014) Batting at No. 7, Rahane scored his maiden Test century with 118 on a challenging pitch. His knock helped India save the match and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. 147 vs Australia, Melbourne (2014) Rahane’s stylish 147 against a strong Australian attack helped India fight back after Australia scored 530. It remains one of his finest overseas innings. Also Read - 'What is logic of orange?': Former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha questions new India jersey 103 vs England, Lord’s (2014) Rahane’s calm 103 on a green Lord’s pitch came after India were struggling at 145/7 and his century played a key role in India’s first Test win at Lord’s in 28 years. 112 vs Australia, Melbourne (2020) Leading India after the Adelaide collapse and Virat Kohli’s absence, Rahane scored a match-winning 112. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja guided India to victory in the Boxing Day Test and helped set up their famous series win in Australia.

Ajinkya Rahane’s memorable Test career featured several overseas masterclasses, with his Lord’s century and MCG hundred among his finest performances.

Ajinkya Rahane’s greatest Test innings: 5 knocks that defined his overseas legacy

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday (Jul 30) announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that lasted almost two decades. The 38-year-old shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram, saying he believed it was the right time to step away from international cricket.&nbsp;“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and have always understood its importance,” Rahane said.&nbsp;“Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days, travelling 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 added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rahane further said that he always put India and the team before himself and played the sport with complete honesty.&nbsp;“I lived by one simple rule. Always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you,” the veteran cricketer said.&nbsp;Looking back on his journey, Rahane said that Indian cricket had changed since his first-class debut and that he was proud to have contributed to its growth over the last 20 years.&nbsp;“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 it 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 this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-set-to-appoint-stephen-fleming-as-test-head-coach-1785384520578">England set to appoint Stephen Fleming as Test head coach</a>&nbsp;The 38-year-old also thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends and fans for standing by him throughout his career.&nbsp;“And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low. Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than 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 hearts. Thank you for your love, your faith and your support. Cap number 278, signing off,” Rahane concluded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-2026-day-8-india-s-full-schedule-medal-events-and-match-timings-1785381180176">Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 8: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings</a>&nbsp;Rahane represented India in 85 Test matches, scoring 5,077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46. His tally also includes 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 49.50.&nbsp;In ODIs, he played 90 matches and scored 2,962 runs in 87 innings at an average of 35.26 and registered three centuries and 24 fifties, while maintaining a strike rate of 78.63.&nbsp;Rahane also featured in 20 T20Is, scoring 375 runs at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29, with one half-century to his name.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is.

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday (Jul 30) announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that lasted almost two decades. The 38-year-old shared the news through an emotional video on Instagram, saying he believed it was the right time to step away from international cricket. “The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and have always understood its importance,” Rahane said. “Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days, travelling 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 added. Rahane further said that he always put India and the team before himself and played the sport with complete honesty. “I lived by one simple rule. Always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you,” the veteran cricketer said. Looking back on his journey, Rahane said that Indian cricket had changed since his first-class debut and that he was proud to have contributed to its growth over the last 20 years. “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 it 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 this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything,” he said. Also Read - England set to appoint Stephen Fleming as Test head coach The 38-year-old also thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends and fans for standing by him throughout his career. “And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low. Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than 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 hearts. Thank you for your love, your faith and your support. Cap number 278, signing off,” Rahane concluded. Also Read - Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 8: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings Rahane represented India in 85 Test matches, scoring 5,077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46. His tally also includes 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a strike rate of 49.50. In ODIs, he played 90 matches and scored 2,962 runs in 87 innings at an average of 35.26 and registered three centuries and 24 fifties, while maintaining a strike rate of 78.63. Rahane also featured in 20 T20Is, scoring 375 runs at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29, with one half-century to his name. With inputs from agencies

Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is.

Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket

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Sunil Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Ajinkya Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’

Who leads KKR after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement? Rinku, Narine, or someone new?

‘My Favourite Test Batting Partner’: Kohli pays emotional tribute to Rahane

Rahane’s greatest Test innings: 5 knocks that defined his overseas legacy

Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket