India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has decided to announce his retirement from all formats of the game. Rahane shared the news on his Instagram account in a video message on Thursday.
The Mumbai batter played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India while also featured in 212 IPL games for six teams. Rahane amassed 5077 Test runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries, out of which eight came in overseas conditions.
He also led India to a memorable Border-Gavaskar series win against Australia in 2020-21 after the visitors lost the opening Test at Adelaide, following their 36-run second innings collapse. Rahane scored a magnificent century at the MCG to lead from the front and helped India draw the series. India then went on to register a historic win at the Gabba.
Rahane said on his Instagram, “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.”
“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 over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn’t,” Rahane said.
Rahane captained India in six Tests matcheas, winning four of them. The 38-year-old said he would look forward to helping the next generation by sharing all the values.
“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 honor. 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. To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you.
“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. (In Marathi) You always treated me like your own.Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off.”
