Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket, Fights Back Tears

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 30, bringing an end to an international career that lasted for more than a decade. Rahane confirmed his decision through a video shared on his official Instagram account, saying he was retiring from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect.

The right-handed batter represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He scored 5,077 runs in Tests, 2,962 in ODIs and 375 in T20Is. He finished his Test career with an average of 38.46, along with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In ODIs, he averaged 35.26 with three hundreds and 24 fifties, while his T20I career ended with 375 runs from 20 matches.

Rahane Announces His Retirement

“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you just have to respect it and move on. I have always relied on time in my batting, and I have always considered it important,”Rahane said in a video posted on Instagram.

“Today, I feel it is time for me to move on and declare my need from international cricket and all formats,” he added in the clip, which was captioned “Signing cap number 278, goodbye”.

“From those early days, travelling from Dombivli as a small boy, just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every day, every innings, every opportunity to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap,” he said in his farewell message.

Rahane also made it clear that even though his international career may have come to an end, he still wants to stay connected with the game.

“I followed only one rule, to support my country and my team ahead of me. I have played this game with complete honesty, and I have always believed that if your intentions are right, the game will always take care of you,” Rahane said.

“Since I started as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown immensely and I am proud to have been a part of it for the last 20 years.”

“While my chapter as an Indian cricketer is coming to an end, my journey with the game does not end. I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values ​​the game has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything,” he said.

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An Emotional Farewell

Ending his message on an emotional note, Rahane spoke about the lessons cricket has taught him, saying that even though his name means “invincible”, the game has taught him to accept defeat.

“There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the joy of playing cricket, being a part of different teams and making memories that last a lifetime, has been the biggest satisfaction of my career,” he said.

“Ajinkya means invincible. But cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed,” he admitted.

“My team has lost matches. I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I have never lost, and that was in your heart. You have always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love, your trust and your support. Cap number 278, agreed,” Rahane added.

The Legacy of the 2020-21 Australia Triumph

Rahane will always be remembered for leading India to a historic Test series win in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test played in Adelaide, where they were all out for 36 in the second innings after regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave.

Rahane then took charge of the young Indian team and led from the front with a match-winning century in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He has led India in six Tests, winning four and drawing the remaining two.

Rahane is currently the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has led the franchise in the last two IPL seasons. However, reports suggest that KKR are interested in bringing in Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians ahead of the next season, with the all-rounder being seen as a possible replacement for Rahane.

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