Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. The 38-year-old shared an emotional video on his social media accounts to confirm his decision, calling time on an international journey that saw him represent India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is after making his debut in 2013. Rahane last wore the Indian jersey during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies. Although he continued playing domestic and franchise cricket, he has now decided that the time is right to move on from international cricket.

Here is Ajinkya Rahane’s complete retirement message: “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 have always relied on timing in my batting and have 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.”

“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. 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.”

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“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. 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.”

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from International Cricket.pic.twitter.com/J8fzbcJON2

— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) July 30, 2026

“From starting out as a young player in Mumbai to playing for India, it has been an absolute honour. There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams and creating lifelong memories has been the greatest satisfaction of my career.”

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“To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends and everyone who stood by me, thank you. 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.”