NEW DELHI : India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning more than a decade and ending any hopes of a return to the national team.
The 38-year-old Mumbai batter, who captained India in the absence of Virat Kohli on several occasions, made the announcement in a video posted on social media.
“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end,” Rahane said.
“When that 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 made his India debut in a Twenty20 International in 2011 before establishing himself as a dependable middle-order batter in the test side, earning a reputation for his composure and solid defensive technique.
He played the last of his 85 tests in July 2023 before falling out of favour with the selectors and had not represented India in white-ball cricket since 2018.
Rahane scored 5,077 runs in tests at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries.
His finest achievement came during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21 when, standing in for Kohli, he captained the side to a memorable 2-1 series victory.
After India were dismissed for 36 in the opening test at Adelaide and Kohli returned home on paternity leave, Rahane responded with a match-winning century in Melbourne to level the series before guiding an injury-hit side to a historic triumph.
Rahane captained India in six tests against Australia, Afghanistan and New Zealand, winning four and drawing two to remain unbeaten as skipper.
“I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself,” an emotional Rahane said.
“I played this game with complete honesty, and I always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you.”
Rahane remains active in domestic franchise cricket and is currently working as a commentator during The Hundred in England.
