NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to retire from international cricket on Thursday triggered an outpouring of tributes from some of the biggest names in Indian sport, with Sachin Tendulkar led the emotional farewell by recalling the qualities that defined the veteran batter’s remarkable career.Rahane, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023, brought down the curtain on an international career highlighted by his calm leadership during India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win over Australia.Among the many messages, Tendulkar’s stands out for his personal touch, having shared the Mumbai dressing room and the crease with Rahane early in his career.“Congratulations on an amazing career, @ajinkyarahane88. The first time we took a bath together for Mumbai, I saw a person who never chased opportunities. They come to you because you are willing to do the hard yards for the team,” Tendulkar wrote in X.Reflecting on Rahane’s defining captaincy stint in Australia, the batting legend added: “That same quality defined your best time in Australia. You showed that modesty is not the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team confidence without fear. Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the best.”Tendulkar was at the other end when Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in Delhi in 2013, inspiring the youngster to embrace the occasion.
Shastri remembers ‘yeoman service’ in Indian cricket
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, with whom Rahane enjoyed most of his greatest Test successes, also paid tribute to the veteran batsman.“One of India’s most committed cricketers who has been an integral part of my tenure as coach and has rendered yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Jinks is fine.”Rahane’s best chapter came under Shastri’s tutelage when he stepped in for Virat Kohli after the Adelaide Test in 2020 and led a battered India side to a memorable 2-1 series win in Australia, including a famous win at the Gabba.
The cricket fraternity celebrates Rahane’s legacy
Cheteshwar Pujara congratulated his long-time batting partner on “a career you can be proud of,” saying it was an honor to share countless partnerships and memories with him.The BCCI thanked Rahane for his “huge contribution to Indian cricket and all the memories that will be cherished forever.”Former opener Virender Sehwag described Rahane as “one of the most underrated cricketers” and hailed him as “the man who led India to its biggest test series win overseas,” adding that “he never made a fuss and kept giving his best.”Shikhar Dhawan remembered Rahane as a composed leader and reliable teammate, while former all-rounder Irfan Pathan thanked him for creating “unique memories in Australia.”Double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu also joined the tributes, recalling Rahane’s memorable 103 at Lord’s in 2014, calling it an innings of “great character and class.”Rahane retired with 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and an unbeaten record as India’s Test captain, registering four wins and two draws in six matches. His calm leadership, resilience under pressure and ability to deliver in overseas conditions remain defining features of a career that has earned him widespread respect across the cricketing world.