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Ajinkya Rahane Says ‘The Timing Is Right’… Former India Captain Announces Retirement From International Cricket and IPL
The veteran batter brings the curtain down on a remarkable career that included India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia, more than 5,000 Test runs, and over 200 IPL appearances.
One of Indian cricket’s most dependable batters has officially called time on his illustrious career. Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all forms of the game on July 30, ending a journey that spanned more than a decade at the highest level.
The 38-year-old made the announcement through an emotional post on Instagram, saying he believed the moment had come to step away from the sport that shaped his life.
“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you 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,” Rahane wrote.
The announcement also marks the end of his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, meaning Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will have to appoint a new captain ahead of the 2027 season.
An Emotional Farewell to Indian Cricket
Rahane’s farewell message reflected gratitude more than regret.
The veteran batter thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and every IPL franchise that supported him throughout his career.
Known for his calm personality and understated leadership, Rahane earned immense respect both on and off the field for his professionalism and team-first approach.
A Test Career Defined by Consistency
Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in 2013 and went on to become one of India’s most reliable overseas performers.
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By the time he retired, he had played 85 Test matches, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
His contributions often came under difficult conditions, particularly in overseas tours where his composed batting helped India secure memorable victories.
The Captain Who Never Lost a Test
Although Rahane led India in only six Test matches, his captaincy record remains extraordinary.
Stepping in whenever Virat Kohli was unavailable, Rahane captained India to four victories, while the remaining two matches ended in draws.
Remarkably, he never lost a Test match as captain.
His defining achievement came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
After India suffered a crushing defeat in Adelaide and Kohli returned home for the birth of his first child, Rahane guided a young and injury-hit Indian side to one of the greatest series victories in cricket history.
Under his leadership, India bounced back with a memorable win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), fought hard for a draw in Sydney, and then scripted history by defeating Australia at The Gabba, ending the hosts’ long unbeaten streak at the iconic venue.
That triumph remains one of the finest moments in Indian Test cricket.
Contributions Across Formats
Beyond Test cricket, Rahane also represented India in limited-overs formats.
His international record includes:
- Tests: 85 matches, 5,077 runs, 12 centuries, 26 fifties
- ODIs: 90 matches, 2,962 runs, 3 centuries, 24 fifties
- T20Is: 20 matches, 375 runs, one half-century
His final ODI appearance came in 2018, while he last played a T20 International in 2016.
An IPL Career Spanning Every Era
Rahane’s IPL journey began in the inaugural 2008 season with Mumbai Indians before he established himself as one of the league’s most dependable Indian batters with Rajasthan Royals.
He later represented:
- Rising Pune Super Giants
- Rajasthan Royals
- Delhi Capitals
- Chennai Super Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
One of the highlights of his franchise career came in IPL 2023, when he reinvented his T20 game with Chennai Super Kings, playing a key role in the team’s title-winning campaign.
After Shreyas Iyer moved on, Rahane took charge as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, leading the franchise during the final phase of his IPL career.
Overall, he featured in 212 IPL matches, scoring 5,367 runs at a strike rate of 125.60, including two centuries and 35 half-centuries.
A Legacy Beyond Statistics
Ajinkya Rahane may not have always dominated headlines, but his impact on Indian cricket extends far beyond numbers.
Whether it was producing match-winning centuries overseas, leading India through one of its greatest Test triumphs, or mentoring younger players in the IPL, Rahane earned admiration through humility, resilience, and unwavering professionalism.
As he steps away from competitive cricket, Indian fans will remember him as the quiet leader who delivered when the team needed him the most.
His retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Indian cricket will continue to inspire future generations.
