BGT-winning captain Ajinkya Rahane retires from all formats

Ajinkya Rahane has called time on his playing career that took him from Mumbai's domestic cricket circuit to some of India's greatest Test triumphs. From his defining century in Australia's 2020-21 series to repeated battles for a spot in the Test team, Rahane leaves behind a career built on resilience, timing and putting his team ahead of himself.A teary-eyed Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 30, bringing an end to a career that took him from the local grounds of Mumbai to some of the biggest stages in world cricket.Rahane, who led India to one of their most famous Test series victories in Australia, announced his decision through a social media video. After 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, the former captain decided that the timing was right to close the international chapter of his 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. 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 said.For much of his career, Rahane was defined by timing. At the crease, it was about balance, patience and knowing when to play his shots. Away from it, his career followed a similar pattern, with opportunities appearing, disappearing and returning when he least expected them. FROM DOMBIVLI TO THE INDIA CAP Ajinkya Rahane made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2007. Courtesy: PTI Rahane's journey began in Mumbai, where he spent his formative years coming through the city's famously competitive domestic system. The dream, he said, was simple."From those early days traveling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself." He made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2007 and spent years building a reputation as one of the country's most technically sound young batters. The India call finally came in 2011, when he made his T20I debut, before his ODI debut followed later that year.His Test debut came against Australia in Delhi in 2013.By then, Rahane had already begun to develop a reputation that would become one of the defining features of his international career. He was particularly comfortable in conditions outside India, where his technique and temperament made him one of India's most reliable middle-order batters.His first Test century came against New Zealand in Wellington in 2014. Later that year, he scored 103 at Lord's as India secured their first Test win at the historic venue in 28 years.Then came Australia.Rahane's 147 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was one of the innings that established him as a genuine overseas performer. He had the ability to absorb pressure, wait for his scoring opportunities and build an innings when conditions were difficult.He was also part of India's 2015 World Cup campaign, scoring 79 against South Africa as India secured a memorable victory over the Proteas.But Rahane's career was never completely secure.He found himself in and out of India's limited-overs plans before eventually becoming primarily a Test specialist. Even in the longest format, however, his place was repeatedly challenged as India's batting order evolved.And every time his career appeared to be nearing a crossroads, Rahane found another way back.THE CAPTAIN WHO WON BGT Ajinkya Rahane helped India win the BGT 2020-21. Courtesy: Rahane Instagram The most important of those comebacks came in Australia in 2020-21.India's tour had begun disastrously. They were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest total in Test cricket, and then lost their captain.Virat Kohli returned home after the first Test, leaving Rahane to take charge of an injury-hit Indian side that had just suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in its history.What followed changed how Rahane's career would be remembered.He scored a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as India bounced back to win the second Test and level the series. More than the runs, though, it was the manner in which Rahane led that stood out.India were without several key players at various points of the series, but Rahane kept the side together. The team went on to win at Brisbane and complete a 2-1 series victory, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in one of the most celebrated overseas triumphs in Indian cricket.For a player who was rarely the loudest presence in the dressing room, it was a defining leadership moment.Rahane led quietly, much like he batted. He trusted his players, absorbed pressure and allowed the team around him to grow into the series.It became the peak of his international career.THE FIGHT TO COME BACK, AGAINRahane's form dipped after the Australia triumph, and his place in the Test team eventually disappeared. For a batter who had once been among India's most trusted overseas performers, the fall was difficult. But Rahane had been here before. His career had already taught him that an exit did not necessarily mean the end.He returned to domestic cricket and continued to work towards another opportunity.That chance came in 2023, when Rahane was recalled to India's Test side for the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval.After more than a year away from Test cricket, Rahane walked back into the Indian team and responded with 89 in the first innings. He followed it with 46 in the second innings and finished the match as India's leading run-scorer, with 135 runs in total.It was another Rahane comeback, but it did not lead to a permanent return.He played the next series in the West Indies, and his final Test appearance came at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad in July 2023.The India door closed again.Rahane went back to the Ranji Trophy, continuing to play domestic cricket and hoping another strong run could reopen it. He spent the next two seasons trying to force his way back into the national picture.It never happened.Eventually, Rahane decided he had waited long enough.A CAREER BUILT ON TEAM FIRST Ajinkya Rahane last represented India back in July 2023. Courtesy: PTI Rahane's international numbers tell only part of the story.He finished with 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and more than 8,000 runs across international cricket. His finest performances often came in SENA countries, where he scored 884 runs in Australia at an average of 42 and 402 runs in South Africa at an average of 37.But Rahane never appeared particularly interested in making his career about individual numbers."I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't," he said.That final sentence is important.Rahane's playing career with India may have ended, but he does not intend to walk away from cricket."I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me, and giving back to the game that has given me everything."From Mumbai's domestic circuit to India, from the World Cup to the World Test Championship, from the famous Australia victory to repeated battles for his place, Rahane's career was never a straight line."There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams, and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career."He thanked the BCCI, MCA, teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, his wife Radhika, family and friends, before turning to the supporters who stayed with him through the difficult periods."To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you."And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low."'ONE PLACE WHERE I WAS NEVER DEFEATED'Rahane broke down in tears as he spoke about the end of his career.There was a touch of irony in the final part of his message. His name, Ajinkya, means unbeatable. But his career had contained plenty of defeats, both on the field and in the selection room."Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed. My team has lost matches, I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your hearts."Then, in Marathi, he thanked the fans for treating him like one of their own."You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support."Rahane's final international innings came three years ago. His last Test century came even earlier, in 2020. His place in India's plans had been gone for a long time before he finally made the decision himself.But that was perhaps fitting for Rahane.He spent much of his career waiting for another chance, taking it when it came and starting again when it disappeared.Now, there is no next comeback to prepare for.Only a final sign-off."Cap number 278, signing off."- EndsPublished By: Kingshuk KusariPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 10:22 IST