Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, July 30, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career that featured several unforgettable moments for Indian cricket. The Mumbai batter shared an emotional farewell video on Instagram, confirming his decision to step away from the game after representing India across all three formats for more than a decade.
Rahane made his international debut in 2011 and went on to play 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India until his final appearance in 2023. Widely regarded as one of India’s finest overseas batters, the right-hander also captained the national team across formats and will forever be remembered for leading India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia during the 2020-21 season.
The 38-year-old’s final competitive appearance came on May 24, 2026, when he scored a half-century for Kolkata Knight Riders against Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Soon after Rahane confirmed his retirement, tributes poured in from former teammates, cricket legends and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), celebrating the legacy of one of India’s most dependable cricketers.
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Rahane on an outstanding career and recalled batting alongside him for Mumbai before praising his calm leadership and selfless approach to the game.
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“Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88. 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,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.
Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88.
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.…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 30, 2026
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, under whom Rahane achieved many memorable successes, described him as one of the most committed cricketers he had worked with. “One of India’s most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Well done, Jinks,” Shastri posted.
One of India’s most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Well done Jinks. @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/I4bG7qtXHH
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 30, 2026
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also paid tribute to Rahane, highlighting his composure under pressure and the lasting impact of his captaincy during India’s famous series win in Australia.
“Ajinkya Rahane, a top-quality cricketer with a calm head and immense pride for the game. His greatest legacy will always be leading India to that historic Test series win in Australia, along with countless classy innings. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Happy retirement, Jinks! Wishing you all the very best for the future,” Harbhajan Singh wrote.
@ajinkyarahane88 Ajinkya Rahane, a top-quality cricketer with a calm head and immense pride for the game. His greatest legacy will always be leading India to that historic Test series win in Australia, along with countless classy innings. Congratulations on a wonderful career.… pic.twitter.com/xUZSDIsq6Y
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 30, 2026
Congratulations on an incredible career, Ajju da. It was an honour sharing the field and dressing room with you. Your calmness, resilience and commitment to the game have inspired so many of us. Wishing you and your family all the very best for this exciting second innings. May… pic.twitter.com/nfoM6yOAo4
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) July 30, 2026
Congratulations on a career you can be incredibly proud of, Ajinkya!
It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you over the years; and building partnerships and memories on and off the field that will always fondly remember.
Wishing you and the family the absolute… pic.twitter.com/dnRcOta2es
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 30, 2026
The BCCI also honoured Rahane’s contributions to Indian cricket following his retirement announcement. BCCI President Mithun Manhas praised the veteran batter for consistently putting the team ahead of personal milestones and delivering match-winning performances in some of the toughest overseas conditions.
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“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 overseas batters. His leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will forever remain one of the defining chapters in Indian cricket. Taking charge after the opening Test, he led a young side through extraordinary circumstances to a famous series victory, culminating in the historic triumph at The Gabba. On behalf of the BCCI, I congratulate Ajinkya on a distinguished international career and wish him every success in the years ahead,” Manhas said in an official release.
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… pic.twitter.com/DkOlha41z0
— MithunManhas5 (@MithunManhas) July 30, 2026
Rahane’s career will be remembered not only for his elegant stroke play and consistency in overseas conditions but also for his calm leadership, resilience and ability to inspire a young Indian side during one of the greatest Test series victories in the country’s cricketing history. His contribution to Indian cricket has secured him a lasting place among the modern greats of the game.
