Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Ajinkya Rahane (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 30 Jul 2026, 09:35 AM• Read time - 3 mins
Middle-order batter and India's Test cap no 278, Ajinkya Rahane, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Rahane made the announcement by sharing an emotional video on his Instagram account.
Rahane, 38, played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. Test cricket was where he showcased his best, aggregating 5077 runs, averaging 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. He famously led India to a 2-1 win down under in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. Rahane led by example on that tour and scored an unforgettable hundred in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG to help India level the series 1-1 with an eight-wicket win.
It came after a mortifying eight-wicket loss in the series opener in Adelaide, where India were bundled out for just 36 in their second innings. Rahane took leadership duties after the first Test as Virat Kohli sought parental leave.
Cricket pundits from around the world gave India no chance to bounce back from such a chastening defeat, but Rahane conjured the magic and made the unthinkable happen. India eked out a hard-fought draw in Sydney in the New Year's Test as both Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin took body blows from a rampaging Aussie attack but remained determined.
Despite the unavailability of several first-choice players, India went into the fourth Test at the Gabba, believing in their bench strength and were rewarded in the form of a three-wicket win. India became the first visiting team to win a Test at the Gabba for the first time since November 1988.
Rahane represented India in two ICC World Test Championship finals in 2021 and 2023, losing to New Zealand and Australia, respectively.
"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. 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," Rahane said in the video.
"From those early days travelling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty, and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. 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 over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't," Rahane said.
"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 honour. 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."