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Former and current Indian cricketers came together to congratulate Ajinkya Rahane after the experienced batter announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 30. From Sachin Tendulkar to KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, all have paid rich tribute to Ajinkya Rahane.
Several Indian stars thanked the Mumbaikar for his years of service to the national team. Rahane shared the news through a video on Instagram, saying he felt it was the right time to move on from all forms of the game – both international and domestic cricket. Earlier, Virender Sehwag pays tribute after Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement.
Sachin Tendulkar, Jasprit Bumrah lead tributes as Ajinkya Rahane retires from the game
Ajinkya Rahane said in the Instagram video: “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.”
Soon after the announcement, social media was filled with messages from Rahane’s former teammates, former players and fans. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh congratulated Rahane for his outstanding career while current players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul salute him for his contribution to the Indian cricket.
Here's how Indian cricketers pay heartfelt tribute to Ajinkya Rahane
Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 30, 2026
The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team. That same quality defined your finest hour in Australia.…
Congratulations @ajinkyarahane88 on an outstanding career👏Your calm, inspiring leadership in India’s historic 20–21 series win in Australia will always be remembered. A disciplined, selfless and hardworking team man. Wishing you success and happiness in your next chapter and… pic.twitter.com/n8isBOF32A
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 30, 2026
Congratulations on a career you can be incredibly proud of, Ajinkya!
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 30, 2026
It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you over the years; and building partnerships and memories on and off the field that will always fondly remember.
Wishing you and the family the absolute… pic.twitter.com/dnRcOta2es
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 30, 2026
@ajinkyarahane88 Ajinkya Rahane, a top-quality cricketer with a calm head and immense pride for the game. His greatest legacy will always be leading India to that historic Test series win in Australia, along with countless classy innings. Congratulations on a wonderful career.… pic.twitter.com/xUZSDIsq6Y
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 30, 2026
Not just an authentic batsman, but a perfect role model too. 👏🏏
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 30, 2026
Happy retirement, Jinks! @ajinkyarahane88 🤝
Congratulations on an incredible career, Ajju da. It was an honour sharing the field and dressing room with you. Your calmness, resilience and commitment to the game have inspired so many of us. Wishing you and your family all the very best for this exciting second innings. May… pic.twitter.com/nfoM6yOAo4
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) July 30, 2026
KL Rahul appreciated Ajinkya Rahane for a phenomenal International career ❤️ pic.twitter.com/55Z7wkVjzK
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 30, 2026
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Ajinkya Rahane’s India career and rare captaincy
Speaking about Ajinkya Rahane’s India career, the 38-year-old played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is during his international career. Rahane was one of India's reliable middle-order batters in Test cricket, where he scored 5,077 runs with the help of 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
In ODIs, the right-hander amassed 2,962 runs in 90 matches, including three centuries and 24 fifties. He also represented India in 20 T20Is, scoring 375 runs. Amid this, Mohammad Amir calls time on Pakistan cricket, embraces new chapter in England.
One of the biggest moments of his career came in 2021, when he led an injury-hit Indian team to a historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia after Virat Kohli returned home for the birth of his daughter Vamika following the first Test in Perth.
Additionally, Rahane captained India in six Test matches, winning four and drawing two, without losing a single game. The Mumbaikar is one of the few Indian captains to lead the team in five or more Tests and remain unbeaten.
It remains one of the most special achievements of his international career. However, he also served as the captain in the IPL – Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant and Kolkata Knight Riders – and Mumbai in domestic cricket as well.
