GUWAHATI: Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning more than a decade.
ALSO READ: India Adds Three Medals on Day 7 of Commonwealth Games 2026, Tally Rises to 15
The 38-year-old announced his decision through an emotional video shared on social media. Rahane played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India after making his international debut in 2013.
His last appearance for India came during the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies. He remained active in domestic cricket and led Mumbai until the 2024-25 season.
Rahane finished his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In 90 ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs at 35.26, with three centuries and 24 fifties. He also scored 375 runs in 20 T20Is.
Rahane's most defining chapter came as captain during India's historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia.
After regular captain Virat Kohli returned home following India's dramatic defeat in the first Test at Adelaide, Rahane took charge of an injury-hit Indian side. Despite missing several key players during the series, India secured a memorable 2-1 series victory.
Rahane played a pivotal role in the triumph, scoring a match-winning century in the Melbourne Test. The series culminated in India's famous victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Australia had not lost a Test in more than three decades.
Announcing his retirement, Rahane said the decision felt right and reflected on the importance of timing in both his batting and career.
"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," he said.
"Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats."
Rahane also thanked fans for their support over the years, writing, “Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful."