Ajinkya Rahane Retires: A Look Back at His Impact on Indian Cricket

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement from international cricket signifies the end of a remarkable era in Indian cricket. Known for his calm demeanor and exceptional batting skills, Rahane has left an indelible mark on the sport. With impressive statistics across formats and memorable performances in challenging conditions, he has been a key player for India. This article delves into his career highlights, contributions to the team's success, and his role as a leader, showcasing why he will be remembered as one of India's greats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 23:30 IST

End of an Era in Indian Cricket

Following the retirements of cricket legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara last year, Ajinkya Rahane has also announced his retirement from international cricket. This marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Indian batting that inspired millions during the 2010s, building on the legacy left by icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and VVS Laxman.

Rahane's Contributions to Indian Cricket

In an era dominated by superstars like Rohit and Virat, affectionately known as 'Ro-Ko', along with MS Dhoni, who was celebrated for his trophy collection, Rahane consistently showcased his skills. He played a crucial role in guiding the newer generation of Indian cricketers through his exemplary batting style and calm leadership.

Rahane's Career Statistics

Rahane's international career statistics are impressive:

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Centuries	Fifties	Average	Strike Rate
Tests	85	144	5,077	12	26	38.46	49.50
ODIs	90	87	2,962	3	24	35.26	78.63
T20Is	20	20	375	0	1	20.83	113.29

Overall, he played 195 international matches, accumulating 8,414 runs with an average of 35.95, including 15 centuries and 51 fifties, with a highest score of 188.

Rahane's Performance in Challenging Conditions

Rahane proved to be a resilient player, especially in challenging overseas conditions, often stepping up as India's crisis manager. He ranks as India's sixth-most successful batter in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) and West Indies, scoring 2,928 runs in 46 Tests at an average of 38.52.

Notably, eight of his twelve Test centuries were scored away from home, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Memorable Performances

Some of Rahane's standout performances include:

1. A double of 51 and 96* against South Africa in Durban in 2013.

2. A century (103) at Lord's during a Test match against England in 2014.

3. A remarkable 147 at Melbourne against Australia in 2014.

4. A flashy 118 against New Zealand at Wellington in 2014.

5. An iconic 112 at Melbourne during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21.

Rahane's Role in India's Home Dominance

From 2012-13 to 2024, India maintained an unbeaten home record, with Rahane contributing significantly by scoring 4,795 runs in 79 Tests at an average of 39.30.

Rahane in ICC White-Ball Events

Despite his impressive red-ball statistics, Rahane had limited opportunities in white-ball tournaments. In the 2015 World Cup, he scored 208 runs in seven innings, while in the T20 World Cups of 2014 and 2016, he played four matches, scoring 94 runs.

A Trustworthy Partner for Kohli

Rahane was a reliable partner for Virat Kohli, forming India's fifth-most productive Test pair, accumulating 3,661 runs in 67 innings.

Leadership Qualities

Rahane's captaincy record is commendable, with four wins and two draws. His leadership was pivotal during India's historic series win in Australia, especially after a challenging start in Adelaide.