Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He revealed his retirement in an emotional message on social media today.
Rahane made his India debut in a T20I against England in August 2011, followed by his ODI debut the next month. He then earned a place in the Indian Test team in 2013. In the years that followed, the 38-year-old batsman established himself as one of the pillars of India’s batting lineup.
Revealing his retirement in a video message on Instagram, Rahane said, “The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on the right use of time in my batting and have always understood its importance. Today, I feel this is the right time to step away from all forms of cricket, including international cricket, and announce my retirement.”
Rahane has played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India. In Tests, he has scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries — 8 of them on foreign soil. He has also scored 2,962 runs in ODIs and 375 runs in T20Is.
Rahane last played for the national team in July 2023. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the last two seasons of the IPL, guiding the team to eighth place in the 2025 season and seventh in the 2026 season.
Reacting to Rahane’s decision, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik said, “Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement brings to an end a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket. His dedication, calm under pressure, and commitment to excellence have made him one of the greatest ambassadors of Mumbai cricket. His legacy will inspire generations to come.”
