Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket, Brings Curtain Down on Illustrious Career
Ajinkya Rahane has called time on his international cricket career. The former India captain announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket through social media, bringing an end to a distinguished career in the national colours
XtraTime Newsdesk: Ajinkya Rahane has called time on his international cricket career. The former India captain announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket through social media, bringing an end to a distinguished career in the national colours.
Rahane posted a video on Instagram with the caption, “Cap 278 signing off”. Expressing his gratitude to his supporters, he wrote, “Thank you and grateful to everyone for all the love and support.”
Rahane represented India across all three formats, featuring in 80 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. In Test cricket, he scored 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries. In ODIs, he accumulated 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, with 24 half-centuries. He also scored 375 runs in 20 T20I appearances. Rahane was particularly regarded as one of India's dependable batters in overseas conditions.
Announcing his decision, Rahane said that everything in life has a beginning and an end, and that when the time comes, one must respect it and look ahead.
“I have always trusted my batting and understood its importance. Today, I realise that the time has come for me to retire from all forms of international cricket,” Rahane said.
Reflecting on his journey, he added, “From the days when I first started coming to practice at a young age, I have given everything to cricket. Every moment, my dream was to wear the India cap. I played cricket with honesty and believed that if you have the hunger, the game will always give something back to you.”
Rahane also made it clear that although his journey as a national cricketer has come to an end, he intends to continue contributing to the game by helping and guiding the next generation.
Concluding his message, Rahane thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his career, with a special mention for the fans who stood by him during the difficult phases of his journey.