PANAJI: Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has brought the curtains down on his international career with an emotional farewell, thanking everyone who stood by him during his journey and saying the love of cricket fans remained his greatest victory.
In a heartfelt video announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket, the 38-year-old reflected on his journey from a young boy travelling from Dombivli for practice to representing India on the biggest stage.
"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I've always relied on timing in my batting, and I've 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," Rahane said.
Rahane said playing for India had been the greatest honour of his life and that he always placed the team ahead of personal milestones.
"From those early days, travelling 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," he said.
Looking back at his career, Rahane expressed pride in witnessing the growth of Indian cricket and said he now hopes to mentor the next generation.
"While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't. I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values the sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything.
The veteran batter's voice cracked during the farewell message as he thanked the BCCI, the Mumbai Cricket Association, teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, his wife Radhika, family, friends and supporters.
"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 is in your hearts. Thank you for your love, your faith and your support."
Signing off with emotion, he added: "Cap number 278, signing off."
Rahane made his international debut in a T20I against England in 2011 before establishing himself as one of India's most dependable Test batters. Over an international career spanning more than a decade, he scored over 8,000 runs across formats, including 5,077 runs in 85 Tests. He also captained India in six Test matches, remaining unbeaten with four wins and two draws.
His defining moment came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Taking charge after India's crushing defeat in Adelaide, Rahane led a depleted side to one of the country's greatest overseas triumphs, highlighted by his century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne and the historic series-clinching victory at The Gabba.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated Rahane on an outstanding international career, describing him as one of India's most trusted performers whose calmness, resilience and ability to deliver under pressure earned widespread respect.
The Board highlighted his memorable overseas centuries at Lord's, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston and Durban, while praising his unbeaten record as India's Test captain.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas said Rahane's career reflected selflessness and dedication. "Ajinkya Rahane's career is a fine example of what it means to put the team first. He earned his reputation through performances in some of the toughest conditions in world cricket and became one of India's most dependable batters overseas. His leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will forever remain one of the defining chapters in Indian cricket."
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also praised Rahane's humility and professionalism. "You played cricket with the utmost sincerity and integrity. Your contributions to Indian cricket went far beyond the runs you scored. Through important innings, thoughtful leadership and the example you set for younger players, you made every team you represented stronger."
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to Rahane, recalling their early days together in Mumbai cricket and praising his calm temperament.
In a post on X, Tendulkar wrote, "Congratulations on a remarkable career, Ajinkya Rahane. The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team. That same quality defined your finest hour in Australia. You showed that composure isn't the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless. Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the very best."
