Former India opener Virender Sehwag paid a tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket. Sehwag praised Rahane's calm leadership, remarkable composure under pressure, and his unforgettable role in guiding India to a historic Test series victory in Australia.
Rahane announced his retirement through an emotional video on his YouTube channel on Thursday, July 30. The veteran batter last represented India during the Test series against the West Indies in July 2023. He recently captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Virender Sehwag Pays Tribute to Ajinkya Rahane on X
Virender Sehwag called Ajinkya Rahane one of India's most underrated cricketers. Sehwag praised his calm nature, consistency, and leadership, while wishing him success in the next chapter of his life.
"One of the most underrated cricketers, and the man who led India to its greatest ever overseas Test series win @ajinkyarahane88. Calm, Solid. Kabhi shor nahi kiya, aur apna best karta raha. Just like against SA in Delhi, 2015 after a wonderful first innings, may you have a great second innings, Ajinkya."
One of the most underrated cricketers, and the man who led India to its greatest ever overseas Test series win @ajinkyarahane88.
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 30, 2026
Calm, Solid. Kabhi shor nahi kiya, aur apna best karta raha.
Just like against SA in Delhi ,2015 after a wonderful first innings, may you have a great…
Sehwag's post quickly attracted widespread attention, with many fans sharing their appreciation for Rahane's contributions to Indian cricket.
Ajinkya Rahane Leaves Behind a Memorable International Legacy
Ajinkya Rahane played 85 Test matches, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46. His record includes 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He was one of India's dependable batters in the longest format.
Rahane also made valuable contributions in white-ball cricket. He scored 2,962 runs in 90 ODIs at an average of 35.26, including three centuries and 24 half-centuries. In 20 T20Is, he added 375 runs at a strike rate of 113.29.
Rahane finished with 8,414 runs in 195 international matches, including 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. He also enjoyed a successful IPL career with multiple franchises. He scored 5,367 runs in 212 IPL matches at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60, registering two centuries and 35 half-centuries.
Rahane's retirement did not come as a major surprise. The selectors had moved towards younger players after the 2023 World Test Championship Final, and he had been out of India's plans for the past three years.
Ajinkya Rahane's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Triumph Remains His Greatest Achievement
Ajinkya Rahane's greatest achievement came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after former India captain Virat Kohli returned home following the Adelaide Test. Rahane stepped in as captain and led one of India's most remarkable overseas triumphs.
After India were bowled out for just 36 in Adelaide, Rahane led a depleted squad to stage a stunning comeback against Australia. Despite losing several key players to injuries during the series, India fought back to seal a historic 2-1 series victory.
Rahane captained India in 11 international matches across formats and lost only once. He also remains one of only seven players to have captained India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
