Former and current Indian cricketers congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Rahane, in a video posted on his Instagram, said the time was right for him to “move on”, bringing the curtain down on a memorable international career.The 38-year-old represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. The Mumbai batter finished his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs in 90 matches at an average of 35.26, with three centuries and 24 fifties. He also played 20 T20Is, scoring 375 runs.One of the biggest highlights of Rahane’s career came in 2021 when he captained an injury-hit Indian team to a famous 2-1 Test series victory in Australia after Virat Kohli returned home following the opening Test.Soon after Rahane announced his retirement, several former and current cricketers took to social media to thank him for his contribution to Indian cricket and wish him well for the future.“Jinks kitne tours, kitne dressing rooms, kitni partnerships… aur kitni yaadein. Captain ke roop mein bhi tujhe utna hi composed dekha, aur teammate ke roop mein bhi utna hi dependable. Bahar se hamesha calm… andar se sirf India ke liye ladne wala insaan. Ab agla chapter bhi utna hi khoobsurat ho. Lots of love, bro,” Shikhar Dhawan wrote on Instagram.
“A career built on class, discipline, and unwavering commitment comes to a close. Thank you for every run, every fight, and every unforgettable moment in the Indian jersey. Wishing you success in the next chapter. @ajinkyarahane,” Shami wrote while sharing an Instagram story.
“Congratulations @ajinkyarahane on a great career. It was wonderful to share the dressing room with you and create so many great memories. The grace and humility with which you’ve carried yourself throughout your career have been truly inspirational. Best wishes for everything that lies ahead,” Jasprit Bumrah wrote.
“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,” Sehwag wrote on X.“Congratulations @ajinkyarahane88 on your wonderful career. Thank you for some outstanding Australian memories on the cricketing field. Good luck for the future buddy,” Irfan Pathan said. “Ajinkya Rahane, congratulations on an outstanding international career @ajinkyarahane88. From elegant centuries in challenging overseas conditions to leading India to the historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia, your calm leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment inspired millions. You proved that quiet determination and character can leave an everlasting impact on the game. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and your immense contribution to Indian cricket. Wishing you the very best for the next chapter of your journey,” former India cricket Dodda Ganesh wrote.
