Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtains down on a distinguished two-decade-long career. Rahane, who famously led India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21, shared the news through an emotional video on social media on Thursday.
Reacting to the announcement, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik paid tribute to Rahane’s contribution to Indian cricket.
“Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket. His dedication, composure under pressure, and commitment to excellence have made him one of Mumbai cricket’s finest ambassadors. His legacy will inspire generations to come.”
Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, besides playing 212 IPL matches across six franchises. Announcing his retirement, the veteran batter said the time felt right to move on.
“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and I have always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”
Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in 2013 and went on to become one of India’s most dependable overseas batters. He scored 5,077 Test runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries, eight of which came away from home.
His finest moment came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he captained India to a memorable 2-1 series win in Australia after the team had been bowled out for 36 in Adelaide. Rahane captained India in six Tests, winning four of them.
Reflecting on his journey, Rahane said:
“From those early days traveling from Dombivli 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. 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. 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.”
In white-ball cricket, Rahane represented India in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups and the 2015 ODI World Cup. His last T20I came in 2016, while he last played an ODI in February 2018.
Rahane also enjoyed a long and successful IPL career, featuring in every season from 2008 to 2026, except 2010. His best IPL campaign came in 2012, when he scored 560 runs for Rajasthan Royals, followed by another 500-plus season in 2015. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 and finished his IPL career with 5,367 runs.
Looking ahead, Rahane said he hopes to remain connected with the sport by guiding the next generation.
“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. From starting out as a young player in Mumbai, to playing for India, it has been an absolute honour.”
He concluded with a heartfelt message to fans:
“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. You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off.“
