Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket After Two Decades
Ajinkya Rahane's Retirement Announcement
On Thursday, veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane declared his retirement from international cricket, marking the conclusion of a nearly 20-year career. He shared this heartfelt decision via an emotional video on Instagram, expressing that he believes it is the right moment to step away from the international stage.
Reflections on His Career
"Life has its beginnings and endings, and when the time comes, it’s essential to respect it and move forward," Rahane stated. He emphasized the significance of timing in his batting and acknowledged that today feels like the right time for him to retire from all formats of international cricket.
"From my early days as a young boy practicing, I dedicated everything to this game. My ultimate dream was always to don the India cap," he added.
Commitment to Country and Team
Throughout his career, Rahane prioritized his country and team, playing with integrity. He remarked, "I adhered to one fundamental principle: always place my country and team before myself. I approached this game with complete honesty, believing that if your intentions are pure, the game will reward you."
Pride in Indian Cricket's Growth
Reflecting on his journey, Rahane noted the significant growth of Indian cricket since his first-class debut. He expressed pride in being part of this evolution over the past two decades. "While my chapter as an Indian cricketer concludes, my journey with the sport continues. I am eager to assist the next generation, sharing the values this game has instilled in me and giving back to the sport that has provided me so much," he stated.
Gratitude to Supporters
Rahane extended his gratitude to the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. He said, "A heartfelt thank you to all the cricket fans who stood by me through every high and low. Although Ajinkya means unbeatable, cricket has taught me defeat many times. As cricketers, we often face failure. My team has lost matches, and I have made mistakes, but I was never defeated in your hearts. Thank you for your love, faith, and support. Cap number 278, signing off."
Career Statistics Overview
Rahane's 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 |
Rahane's Captaincy Achievements
Rahane holds an undefeated record as a Test captain, 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 remarkable comeback victory in Melbourne and a historic win at the Gabba, ending Australia's long unbeaten streak during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India won 2-1.
Notable Wins Under Rahane's Captaincy
He also led India to a significant Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and secured a win over Afghanistan in 2018.