Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all-format cricket on July 30. The 38-year-old made the announcement through a social media post, saying the time was right to โmove onโ from representing the country. He featured in 85 Test matches, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India. He scored 5,077 runs in red-ball cricket, including 12 centuries, 2,962 ODI runs and 375 runs in the shortest format of the game. His last international appearance came during the Test series against the West Indies in July 2023.
After his retirement, several former and current cricketers lauded Rahane for his achievements with the national team. He captained the red-ball unit in six matches, which included a historic series win against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2020-21 season.
Star India batter Virat Kohli also congratulated Rahane on his illustrious career through an Instagram post. Kohli praised his former teammate’s contribution and described Rahane as his favourite batting partner in Test cricket.
โJinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. Youโve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless,โ Kohli posted on his Instagram story.ย
Several other cricketers pay tribute
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Rahane, recalling their first instance of batting together. He later defined Rahaneโs legacy as captain and wished him well for future.ย
โThe 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. You showed that composure isn’t the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless. Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the very best,โ Sachin tweeted.ย
His long-time batting partner Cheteshwar Pujara also congratulated Rahane for his incredible career.
โCongratulations on a career you can be incredibly proud of, Ajinkya!ย 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.ย Wishing you and the family the absolute best in this next chapter,โ Pujara tweeted.
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