“Right time for me to move on”, Ajinkya Rahane retires from all forms of Cricket

Kolkata: India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career spanning more than a decade.

Rahane represented India in 195 international matches across all three formats, establishing himself as one of the country’s most dependable batters. His greatest success came in Test cricket, where he played 85 matches, scoring 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries.

He last played for India in a Test match against West Indies in 2023.

“The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward,” Rahane said in a video he posted on his social media.

I have always relied on timing in my batting and I have always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”

Among his most memorable achievements were finishing as India’s highest scorer in the first innings of both the 2021 and 2023 ICC World Test Championship Finals.

A long-serving vice-captain, Rahane also etched his name into Indian cricket history by leading the side to a remarkable comeback series victory over Australia in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

In One-Day Internationals, Rahane featured in 90 matches over a seven-year career after making his debut in 2011. He accumulated 2,962 runs, including three centuries, and played a key role in India’s run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015, scoring 208 runs across eight innings.

Rahane made his international debut in T20 Internationals and went on to play 20 matches in the format where he scored 375 runs.

Rahane represented multiple IPL franchises including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, RPSG, Delhi Capitals, and last 2 seasons he also led Kolkata Knight Riders where they failed to reach playoffs. However, his real success came playing for Chennai Super Kings where he won maiden IPL trophy of his career in 2023.

Rahane has been active in the domestic circuit and led Mumbai until the 2024-25 season although he has been off Indian selector’s radar since 2023. Rahane made his First-class and List A debut for Mumbai back in 2007. He also played key roles for Mumbai and captained them in winning Ranji Trophy (2008-9, 2023-24), Irani Cup 2024, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2022-23). In Test Cricket too, Rahane has an unbeaten captaincy record.

He scored 14209 runs in first-class cricket in 205 matches, 6853 runs in List A cricket in 192 games and 7968 runs in 308 matches in T20 cricket.

Rahane, who is currently in England doing commentary work in The Hundred tournament, broke down in tears while recording the video.

“I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me, and giving back to the game that has given me everything.From starting out as a young player in Mumbai, to playing for India, it has been an absolute honor. There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams, and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career. To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you.

“And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low. Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed. My team has lost matches, I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your hearts. (In Marathi) You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off,” Rahane added.