Rohit Sharma Leads Tributes as Ajinkya Rahane Bids Farewell

Ajinkya Rahane, the elegant right-hander who anchored India's middle order across all formats, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, bringing a 19-year career to a close. The 38-year-old Mumbai batter had not featured for India since early 2022 but remained active in domestic and franchise leagues.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma posted a tribute on social media, writing: “We've shared the dressing room for so many years and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you've achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart. Congratulations on a wonderful career.” The teammates were central figures during one of Indian cricket's most successful periods, sharing numerous Test and limited-overs milestones.

Rahane amassed 5,077 Test runs at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries, including a memorable hundred at Lord's in 2014. In ODIs he scored 2,962 runs, while his T20I appearances yielded 375 runs. As a captain, he led India in six Tests, winning four and drawing two, most notably the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Rahane's Quiet Leadership and a Test Career of Substance

Beyond the numbers, Rahane's career was defined by an ability to deliver in tough overseas conditions and a temperament that often held fragile innings together. His calm exterior and technical correctness made him a trusted lieutenant in India's rise as a Test force.

Advertisement

The Captaincy That Defined a Series

When Virat Kohli returned home after the first Test of the 2020-21 Australia tour, India had just been bowled out for 36. Rahane stepped in as stand-in skipper and crafted a 2-1 series victory that is widely ranked among India's greatest Test triumphs. His own century in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test set the tone, and he marshalled an injury-ravaged squad with quiet authority.

A Teammate's Respect

Rohit Sharma's tribute echoed the sentiment of many in the dressing room who valued Rahane's discipline and mentorship of younger players. In the later stages of his career, his role shifted from run-scorer to a steadying presence in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he continued to offer experience and professionalism.

While his international appearances diminished, his legacy rests on the quality of his overseas hundreds and the resilience of that Australian campaign — a reminder that leadership often matters as much as run tallies.