Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket After 15-Year Career

Ajinkya Rahane, 38, announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on July 30, 2026, concluding a distinguished career that spanned 15 years and 195 matches across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. In an emotional Instagram video message captioned "Cap 278 signing off," Rahane reflected on his journey, stating: "The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward."

During his international career, Rahane played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, accumulating over 8,000 runs across all formats. In Test cricket specifically, he scored 5,077 runs with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, establishing himself as one of India's most reliable performers in the longest format. His most celebrated achievement came during India's 2020–21 Test series in Australia, where he captained the team to a historic 2–1 series victory and ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten record at the Gabba. During that tour, Rahane scored a century in Melbourne and guided an injury-depleted Indian squad to an improbable triumph.

Rahane made his international debut in 2011, first playing T20I in August that year, followed by ODI debut in September 2011, and Test debut in March 2013. His last international appearance was during the 2023 away Test series against West Indies, after which he fell out of the national selection radar but remained active in domestic cricket, leading Mumbai until the 2024–25 season. In his retirement message, Rahane thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association, teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, and fans, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the next generation of cricketers.