The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated Ajinkya Rahane on his international career following his decision to retire from international cricket. Over nearly a decade and a half, Rahane was regarded as one of India‘s most reliable performers. His calm demeanor, resilience, and ability to perform in challenging situations earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts.
Rahane emerged as one of India‘s most dependable batters, especially in overseas conditions, during a period when India established itself as a strong Test team. His centuries in locations such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are considered significant overseas hundreds by an Indian batter. These performances highlighted his capacity to adapt, absorb pressure, and rise to important occasions.
Defining Moments and Leadership
A notable period in Rahane’s career was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed the captaincy after India faced a difficult situation, having been dismissed for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Despite the challenges and restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rahane led the team, scoring a century at the MCG that helped level the series.
Under Rahane’s leadership, India overcame injuries and adversity to secure a memorable series victory, culminating in a win at The Gabba, which ended Australia‘s 32-year unbeaten record there. Rahane remained unbeaten as captain in six Test matches, securing four wins and two draws. His leadership was characterized by clear thinking, sound judgment, and the confidence he instilled in his team.
As a senior member of the dressing room, Rahane was respected for his humility, professionalism, and dedication to the team. He led by example, earning admiration from teammates, opponents, and fans through his conduct on and off the field.
Tributes from the Cricket Community
Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, stated that Rahane’s career exemplifies putting the team first. He highlighted Rahane’s performances in tough conditions and his leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a defining chapter in Indian Cricket. Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, thanked Rahane for his contributions, noting his sincerity, integrity, and the positive example he set for younger players.
Sachin Tendulkar led the tributes, recalling sharing the Mumbai dressing room and the crease with Rahane early in his career. Tendulkar noted Rahane’s composure, stating that it gives a team the confidence to be fearless. He congratulated Rahane on a wonderful career and wished him and his family well.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also paid tribute, describing Rahane as one of India‘s most committed cricketers who provided significant service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Shastri emphasized Rahane’s role in leading an injury-affected Indian side to a 2-1 series victory in Australia, including the triumph at The Gabba.
Other figures in the cricket community also shared their appreciation. Cheteshwar Pujara congratulated his long-time batting partner on a career to be proud of, while Virender Sehwag described Rahane as an underrated cricketer who led India to its greatest overseas Test series win. Shikhar Dhawan remembered Rahane as a composed leader, and Irfan Pathan thanked him for creating memorable moments in Australia. Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu recalled Rahane’s 103 at Lord’s in 2014, calling it an innings of character and class.
Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs across his international career. He retires with 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and an unbeaten record as India‘s Test captain, having registered four wins and two draws in six matches.
The BCCI expressed its gratitude to Ajinkya Rahane for his contribution to Indian Cricket, noting that his professionalism, resilience, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact and will continue to inspire young cricketers.
Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023.
Source: bcci.tv
