Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has brought the curtain down on a memorable international career, marking the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. The elegant Mumbai batter was a vital member of India’s golden generation, sharing the dressing room with stalwarts such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin as the team established itself as a dominant force in the longest format.
Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket in an emotional video, admitting that the time had come to move on. The 38-year-old struggled to hold back tears while thanking fans for their unwavering support, with tributes continuing to pour in from former teammates and cricket legends.
India captain Rohit Sharma was among the latest to congratulate Rahane, praising his professionalism and dedication throughout his career.
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“We’ve shared the dressing room for so many years, and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you’ve achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes!” Rohit Sharma wrote on X.
We’ve shared the dressing room for so many years and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you’ve achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart.
Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes! @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/r7eXb1yrUz— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 30, 2026
Earlier, Virat Kohli also paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime teammate, describing Rahane as his favourite batting partner in Test cricket.
“Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless,” Kohli posted on X.
Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless. 🤝🇮🇳@ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/bHGaas41gO
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 30, 2026
Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023. During his distinguished international career, he scored 8,414 runs across formats, including 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries, while earning a reputation as one of India’s most dependable batters in overseas conditions.
He also enjoyed success as captain, leading India in six Test matches. Under his leadership, India registered four victories and two draws, remaining unbeaten in the format.
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Rahane’s defining moment came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After taking over the captaincy following the opening Test, he inspired an injury-hit Indian side to a famous 2-1 series victory, capped by the historic triumph at The Gabba—an achievement that remains one of the greatest chapters in Indian Test cricket.
