Ajinkya Rahane Retires: A Tribute to His Legacy in Indian Cricket

Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a distinguished career. Former cricketer Madan Lal praised Rahane as a 'pillar of Indian cricket' and a 'true gentleman' who avoided controversies. Rahane's leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly after a dismal loss in Adelaide, showcased his remarkable ability to rally the team to victory. With impressive statistics and a legacy that includes significant contributions to both Test and ODI formats, Rahane's departure leaves a void in the Indian cricket team. This article delves into his career highlights, leadership qualities, and the impact he had on the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 22:30 IST

A Pillar of Indian Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal praised Ajinkya Rahane upon his announcement of retirement from international cricket, describing him as a "pillar for Indian cricket." He emphasized that Rahane's unique ability to navigate crises on the field makes him irreplaceable.

A Career Marked by Integrity

Madan Lal remarked that Rahane was a "true gentleman" in the sport, avoiding controversies throughout his career. He noted that playing international cricket for 12 to 15 years earns a player great respect. Rahane participated in approximately 85 Test matches, amassing over 5,000 runs, including several centuries, and also contributed significantly in One Day Internationals with over 2,000 runs.

Memorable Achievements

Madan highlighted Rahane's remarkable leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly after a disheartening loss in Adelaide where India was bowled out for just 36 runs. Following the departure of Virat Kohli, Rahane stepped up as captain, leading the team to an extraordinary 2-1 series victory against Australia.

The Impact of His Leadership

Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries to key players, Rahane's composed leadership and the enthusiasm of younger players like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj were pivotal in achieving this historic win. Madan expressed that Rahane's ability to remain calm under pressure was a testament to his leadership skills.

An Unmatched Legacy

Madan emphasized that while younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are talented, they cannot truly replace Rahane's experience and ability to stabilize the innings during tough situations. He acknowledged that the team will miss Rahane's presence, as he was a steadfast player throughout his 15-year career.

Captaincy Record

Rahane's captaincy record is impressive, with four wins and two draws, boasting the highest win percentage for an Indian Test captain with at least five matches. His leadership included a memorable victory in Melbourne and a historic win at the Gabba, ending Australia's unbeaten streak there.

Career Statistics

In his Test career, Rahane played 85 matches, scoring 5,077 runs with an average of 38.46. In ODIs, he participated in 90 matches, accumulating 2,962 runs, while in T20Is, he played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs.