Mumbai: Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from international cricket
Ajinkya Rahane, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on Thursday, July 30. The former India captain shared the news through an Instagram post, featuring a video message with the caption: “Cap 278 signing off”. Rahane expressed gratitude for the support received throughout his career, stating, “Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful.”
In his message, Rahane reflected on the nature of life and sport, noting, “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.” He emphasised the importance of timing in his batting and career decisions, adding, “Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”
Rahane’s career saw him represent India in 85 Test matches, 90 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 T20Is. The right-handed batter accumulated 5,077 runs in Tests, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. In 90 ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs with three tons and 24 fifties, while in 20 T20Is, he made 375 runs.
He highlighted his dedication to the game from his early days, stating, “From those early days, travelling 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.” Rahane also affirmed his commitment to his country and team, saying, “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.”
Rahane acknowledged the growth of Indian cricket during his time, expressing pride in his involvement: “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.” He also indicated his intention to remain involved in cricket beyond his playing career, stating, “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 this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything.”
He extended thanks to various organisations and individuals, including the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends, and fans. Rahane concluded his message by addressing the fans directly: “And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low. 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 was in your hearts. Thank you for your love, your faith and your support. Cap number 278, signing off.”
Memorable Test Performances
Throughout his career, Rahane delivered several significant performances in Test cricket. One such knock came against Australia in Melbourne in 2014. Facing pressure, Rahane launched a counter-attack, scoring 147 runs off 171 balls against bowlers like Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood, and Ryan Harris on a challenging MCG pitch. His 262-run partnership with Virat Kohli was pivotal, and he followed it with 48 runs in the second innings, contributing to a draw.
In 2016, Rahane achieved his highest Test score of 188 runs against New Zealand in Indore. This innings came after India had lost three wickets for 100 runs. He formed a 365-run fourth-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli, which was a record at the time, effectively taking the game away from New Zealand. His 381-ball innings, which included 18 fours and four sixes, combined patience with fluent strokeplay over more than six hours at the crease. India declared at 557/5 and secured a victory to seal the series.
Another notable century occurred at Lord’s in 2014 against England. Rahane’s resilient 103 runs were crucial when India was struggling at 145/7 in the first innings. His composed performance in difficult English conditions helped guide India to a competitive total of 295. This innings earned him a place on the Lord’s Honours Board and proved to be a decisive factor in India’s victory at the venue.
Rahane also played a captain’s innings against Australia in Melbourne in 2020. Leading India after the team’s 36 all out in Adelaide and with Virat Kohli absent, his patient 112 runs secured a 131-run first-innings lead on a demanding MCG surface. This century shifted the momentum of the series and levelled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking one of India’s significant overseas Test triumphs.
Recent Contributions
More recently, Rahane made a return to the team for the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final against Australia at The Oval. He played a fluent knock of 89 runs in the first innings against a strong bowling attack featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon. Although India ultimately lost the final, Rahane’s resilience and contribution were highlighted as vital.
Rahane’s biggest moment as a leader came in 2021 when he stood in as captain for Virat Kohli, leading a depleted India to a 2-1 series victory against Australia in their own territory.
His international career officially concluded on Thursday, July 30.
Source: icc-cricket.com
