Published on: Jul 30, 2026 1:26 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 30, 2026 1:26 pm IST
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has decided to hang up his boots. The 39-year old right-hand batter has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy. Rahane ends his illustrious career that spanned over two decades across international and domestic cricket.
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Ajinkya made his announcement via an emotional video on social media. The prolific batter said,
“From those early days traveling 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. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of [it] over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn’t,” Rahane said.
Test cricket was the realm where Ajinkya Rahane left his most permanent mark. Representing India in 85 Tests after making his debut in 2013, Rahane accumulated 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, featuring 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Rahane was one of those batters who shone in away tours. Widely considered one of the best Indian batters in away conditions by his then-skipper, Virat Kohli, Rahane scored 8 of his 12 Test centuries away from India, including memorable tons at Lord’s, Melbourne, Wellington, and Kingston. His prowess with the bat was highly recognized, but Rahane, the fielder, was second to none. He was also an exceptional fielder at slip, taking 99 catches and consistently rescuing the team when early wickets fell.
Being a predominant Test cricketer, Rahane was a dependable top order contributor in the ODIs as well. Making his ODI debut against England in September 2011, Rahane featured in 90 matches for India, scoring 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63.
His One-Day International career included 3 centuries and 24 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 111 against Sri Lanka at Cuttack in 2014. A versatile batter who operated both as an opener and a middle-order anchor, Rahane played a key role during India’s campaign in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, highlighting his adaptability under pressure.
The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 in Australia was the crown jewel of Rahane’s captaincy career. After India suffered a crushing defeat in the series opener at Adelaide, bundling out for a mere 39, regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave.
Tasked with leading a severely depleted, injury-stricken Indian side, Rahane displayed remarkable poise and tactical brilliance. He scored a majestic, match-winning 112 in the Melbourne Test to level the series. Under his calm stewardship, India held out for a gritty draw in Sydney and went on to breach Australia’s fortress at the Gabba in Brisbane. Rahane led India to a legendary 2–1 victory on Australian soil, sealing their second consecutive Test series win in Australia and cementing his name in cricketing folklore
Ajinkya Rahane’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) demonstrated his adaptability across formats. Over 212 matches, he scored 5,367 runs at an average of 30.00, including 2 centuries and 35 fifties.
Rahane made his mark with the Rajasthan Royals, where he anchored the innings for years and also captained the side. He went on to represent franchises such as Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings. His reinvented, high-strike-rate role for CSK in their 2023 championship season showcased his ability to evolve with modern T20 demands. Rahane concluded his IPL tenure leading the Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2026 season.
Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket, characterized by resilience and quiet brilliance on the world stage. As he steps away from all forms of the game, cricket bids farewell not just to an exceptionally gifted technician and leader, but to one of the true gentlemen of modern sport.