Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane retires from professional cricket: Details here
What's the story
Star Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Rahane, who revealed the same on social media, played his last international match in 2023 against West Indies. The 38-year-old, who made his international debut in 2011, went on to become one of the most dependable middle-order batters, especially overseas. He also served as the vice-captain of India's Test side.
Message
Official announcement
Rahane took to Instagram, announcing his retirement from international cricket with a video message. He posted, "Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful."
"Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of [it] over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't," he said in the video.
Twitter Post
Here's the video
India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats.
— IANS (@ians_india) July 30, 2026
He posted on Instagram, "Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful"
(Video: Ajinkya Rahane/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/DRRSDzaHe2
Career
Rahane's formidable journey
Rahane bows out after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.
In whites, Rahane formed India's sturdy batting order along with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.
He bailed India out on several occasions, especially outside Asia, where swing perturbed the side. His partnerships with Kohli remain indispensable.
Notably, eight of his 12 Test centuries have come away from home.
Numbers
A look at his numbers
In 144 Test innings, Rahane racked up 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46. The tally includes 12 tons and 26 half-centuries.
In 90 ODIs, the Indian batter scored 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, including three tons and 24 half-centuries. His last appearance came in 2018.
Rahane, who played his last T20I in 2016, compiled 375 runs at 20.83.
IPL
How his IPL career panned out
Rahane was retained as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper for the 2026 IPL season. Under him, the Knight Riders were winless in their first six games before bouncing back.
Representing six IPL teams since 2008, Rahane smashed 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15. His tally includes a strike rate of 125.60, 2 tons, and 3 half-centuries.