Ajinkya Rahane (Img: BCCI)
Mumbai: A veteran player of the Indian batting line-up, Ajinkya Rahane has retired from international cricket after a long run that has spanned over a decade. The right-handed batter is renowned for his calm, skill, and leadership abilities and has appeared in 85 Test matches, 90 ODIs and 20 T20 internationals for India.
Rahane amassed more than 8,000 runs in his international career and turned out to be one of the most consistent players for India especially in foreign soil.
While retiring from international cricket via social media posts, Rahane wrote an emotional message for the fans and looked back to his career from being a budding cricketer to an integral part of the Indian team.
India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats.
(Video: Ajinkya Rahane/Instagram)@ajinkyarahane88 @BCCI @ICC #Cricket #BCCI #AjinkyaRahane pic.twitter.com/PEAjkh5thI
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"Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful," Rahane wrote along with sharing a video message.
The former vice-captain of the Indian side expressed that it was time to look towards the future and wanted to stay close to the game.
Among other feats that Rahane has accomplished is his great contribution to India's victory against Australia in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy after Virat Kohli went back to India after the first test match.
His century during the second test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground was very instrumental in the turnaround for India and made him one of the greatest Test captains in India.
Rahane played his last game for India in 2023 during the Test match between India and West Indies. In his last One Day International (ODI), he played against England in 2018 while in his last T20 International match for India, he played against West Indies in 2016.
While ending his career in international cricket, Rahane has played in domestic cricket and Indian Premier League and even captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the recent seasons.
Not only his batting performances, but also the great slip fielding, calmness under pressure and good temperament made Rahane popular among players. Rahane's captaincy during India's win away from home is one of the memorable highlights in Rahane's career.
Rahane, the Mumbai player, will be remembered as one who was disciplined, patient and dedicated.
