Ajinkya Rahane retires from all forms of cricket, signs off with an emotional farewell

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 17-year career marked by overseas Test heroics and one of India’s greatest captaincy triumphs.

The 38-year-old, who last featured in the 2026 IPL as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, made the announcement through an emotional video message.

“Everything has a beginning and an end… I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. Cap number 278, signing off,” Rahane said.

Rahane made his international debut in a T20I against England in 2011 before earning his Test cap in 2013. Although his first Test was forgettable, he soon established himself as the backbone of India’s middle order, especially in overseas conditions.

He scored 5,077 runs in 85 Tests, including memorable centuries in New Zealand, England and Australia. His hundred at Lord’s in 2014 played a key role in India’s first Test victory at the iconic venue in 28 years.

One of the defining moments of his career came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when Rahane captained India after Virat Kohli returned home following the Adelaide Test. He led a depleted side to a remarkable series victory in Australia, highlighted by his century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the historic Gabba triumph that ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the venue.

Rahane also represented India in 90 ODIs, scoring 2,962 runs, and played 20 T20Is. At the domestic level, he remains among Mumbai’s most prolific batters, ranking third on the state’s all-time first-class run-scoring list and its leading T20 run-getter.

Reflecting on his journey, Rahane said wearing the India cap was always his dream and that he had played the game with honesty, always putting the team before himself. He added that while his playing career has ended, he hopes to mentor the next generation and give back to the sport.

His final appearance for India came in the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023, following a brief comeback for the 2023 World Test Championship final.

Fighting back tears, Rahane thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Mumbai Cricket Association, his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family and fans for their unwavering support.

“Cricket has shown me defeat many times… but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that is in your hearts. Thank you for your love, faith and support,” he said in his farewell message.