Rahane retires with 5,077 Test runs, 12 centuries, and an iconic Gabba triumph
Senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who notably guided an injury-plagued Indian side to an unlikely Test series victory over Australia during a 2020–2021 trip, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, stating that it was time for him to move on.
During a career that started in 2013, the 38-year-old represented India in 85 Test matches, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is. Even up until this year's IPL, he insisted that he would not give up on the idea of a comeback despite not showing up for the nation following the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies.
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 stood in for regular skipper Virat Kohli as a heavily depleted India defeated Australia in their own backyard 2-1 for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, upsetting all calculations and predictions. Rahane then took over India captaincy for the remainder of the series, which they clinched despite missing some key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja due to injuries.
The gutsy triumph included India's famous win at The Gabba in Brisbane in the fourth and final Test by three wickets, but the turnaround began in the second Test when a gritty Rahane stood tall against a full-strength Australian pace attack to score 112 (223 balls, 12 fours) in India's first innings.
Rahane, who has had commentary stints in various leagues around the world, said he would remain associated with the game.
Rahane has been a regular feature in the IPL, representing six franchises including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders most recently. KKR released him from captaincy. Known for reinventing his game, especially in the IPL towards the later stages of his career, he has made an overall 5,367 runs in 212 matches at a strike rate of 125.60 and an average of 30.15, with two centuries and 35 fifties.
Striking an emotional note, Rahane said although his name translates into 'the one who cannot be defeated', cricket has taught him that losses cannot be escaped. "There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams, and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career," he said.
Rahane captained Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd title victory in the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-2024 season when they beat Vidarbha in the final.
