NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane never sought the spotlight. In an era dominated by classy stroke-makers and larger-than-life personalities, he has quietly built a reputation as one of India’s most reliable overseas batters and one of the country’s most respected leaders. On Thursday, the 38-year-old brought down the curtain on his international career, ending a journey that spanned more than a decade and produced some Indian cricket:the most memorable moments. Having played in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, Rahane has completed 8,414 international runs, 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. However, the numbers tell only part of his story.“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you have to respect it and move on. I have always relied on the timing of my batting, and I have always understood the importance of it,” Rahane said in his retirement video.
The captain who conquered Australia
If there is one chapter that defines Rahane’s legacy, it is India’s remarkable victory in the 2020-21 Test series in Australia.After India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, few believed the injured side could compete, let alone win. Rahane came in as captain and led a depleted Indian team to a stunning 2-1 series win, one of the biggest victories in Indian cricket history.His century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne not only saved India’s campaign but also made him the only Indian to score a Boxing Day Test hundred against Australia as a player and as captain. Under his leadership, India never lost a Test match, making his captaincy record (6 matches with 4 wins and 2 draws) one of the best in Indian cricket.
The overseas specialist
Rahane has earned a reputation for producing his best performances away from home. He became the first Indian batter to score both his first Test and ODI centuries in SENA countries, proving his ability to thrive in the toughest of conditions.His 12 Test hundreds have always come in pressure situations, and remarkably, India have never lost a Test each time Rahane has scored a century. He was also the first Indian to score a century in the World Test Championship, adding another milestone to an impressive career.
India’s Ajinkya Rahane, left, is congratulated by Australia’s Steve Smith (Photo by AP/PTI)
One of his best individual performances came against South Africa when he became the only Indian batter to score centuries in two innings of a Test while batting at No. 5 or less.
More than a batter
Rahane’s contributions extend beyond the bat. He remains the only Indian fielder to take eight catches in a Test match, highlighting his exceptional reflexes in the slips. Earlier in his career, he also made himself known in T20Is by scoring 61 on debut, the highest score by an Indian on T20I debut at that time.
Ajinkya Rahane from Mumbai (PTI Photo)
Despite being dropped from the national team, Rahane continues to contribute to domestic cricket. He led Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, showing that his leadership qualities remain intact.
Farewell true to his personality
Rahane’s retirement message reflected the humility that characterized his career.“From the first days, traveling from Dombivali as a child, just to practice, I gave this sport everything I had. Every day, every innings, every time I take the bat, the dream is always to wear the Indian cap.He also emphasized on the values that shaped him as a cricketer.“I live by one rule, only support my country and my team before myself. I play this game with absolute honesty, and I always believe that if your goal is right, the game will always take care of you.”
India’s Ajinkya Rahane (Photo by AP/PTI)
Looking ahead, Rahane made it clear that his association with cricket is far from over.“While my chapter, as an Indian cricketer, has ended, my journey with the game has not. I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values, the sport taught me, and giving back to the game that gave me everything.”Perhaps the most emotional part of his farewell came when he reflected on failure and resilience. He said, “Ajinkya means undefeated. But cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often, then we succeed.”He signed off with a message that perfectly sums up his relationship with the Indian fans.“My team lost games. I made mistakes, but there was one place where I didn’t lose, and that was in your heart. You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love. Your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off.”