Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket in an emotional social media video posted on July 30. The 38-year-old said that he consulted his father, wife Radhika, and longtime coach Pravin Amre before making the final decision to end his playing career.
Rahane ended his international career after representing the national cricket team in all three formats. He scored 8,414 runs in 195 international matches, with most of his success coming in Test cricket. The former India batter played 85 Tests and established himself as a dependable middle-order player.
Ajinkya Rahane Consulted Family and Mentors Before Retirement
Speaking to the Indian Express, Ajinkya Rahane said he discussed his retirement decision with his father, wife, and Pravin Amre. Rahane stated that he could continue for another two years, but Amre advised him to respect his instincts.
"I spoke to my father, my wife Radhika and Pravin (Amre) sir, who has been instrumental throughout my career. He said that if I had that feeling, I should respect it. I told him I still felt I could play for another two years, but I had no regrets. I achieved what I wanted and gave everything to the game."
"I also spoke to Prayagraj sir, whom I have followed since 2012-13 through Vedanta philosophy. He felt the same: ‘Because we all know that you have given your best. The way you have played on the ground, the attitude you have played with, you have always kept the team ahead. So, you know it better than us.’"
Ajinkya Rahane's 85-Test Career and Captaincy Legacy
Ajinkya Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in Delhi in March 2013. He registered scores of 7 and 1 but responded strongly in his third Test against South Africa in Durban, scoring an unbeaten 51 and 96. Rahane later scored Test centuries in New Zealand, England, and Australia.
The Mumbai batter played 85 Tests and finished with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46. He scored 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with a highest score of 188. His final Test for India came against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023.
Rahane also enjoyed one of his biggest career moments as India's Test captain. He led the team during the 2020-21 Australia tour and guided India from a 0-1 deficit to a memorable 2-1 series victory.
Ajinkya Rahane's White-Ball and IPL Career
Ajinkya Rahane played 90 ODIs for India, scoring 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63, including three centuries and 24 fifties. He scored 375 runs in 20 T20Is at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.
Across all three international formats, Rahane finished with 8,414 runs in 195 matches, including 15 centuries and 51 fifties. He also enjoyed a long IPL career, featuring in 212 matches and scoring 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60.
Rahane captained Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 and finished as their third-highest run-scorer. He scored 335 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 135.08.
