India’s senior batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious playing career.

Known for his batting techniques, calmness and exceptional record in tough overseas conditions, amassing over 8,000 international runs across formats, featuring in 85 tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.

He made a remarkable career test format scoring 5077 runs at an average of 38.46, which included 12 test tons.

His career has been highlighted by a famous 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he captained the side to a 2-1 test series victory in Australia following a century at Melbourne.

Ajinkya Rahane last played for India in 2023 when he was called up to the test team for the tour of the West Indies. His last appearance for the country in the ODI format came in 2018, where he played against England.

His T20I career has been relatively short, with his last appearance coming from the 2016 season against the West Indies.

“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting, and I 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,” said Rahane.

“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,” added Rahane.

“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.

“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. From starting as a young player in Mumbai to playing for India, it has been an absolute honour,” added Ajinkya Rahane.

“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, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career. 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,” further said Rahane.

“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. (In Marathi) You always treated me like your own.  Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off,” concluded Ajinkya Rahane.