Sports

IIE DIGITAL: Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a distinguished 13-year career in which he represented India across all three formats. The 38-year-old made the announcement on Thursday through an emotional video message on social media, saying the time had come to "move on."

Reflecting on his decision, Rahane said every journey has its beginning and end, adding that just as timing defined his batting, he believed the moment was right to bid farewell to international cricket. "Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats," he said, signing off as "Cap No. 278."

Rahane leaves behind an impressive international record, having scored 5,077 runs in 85 Test matches, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He also amassed 2,962 runs in 90 One-Day Internationals with three hundreds, while contributing 375 runs in 20 T20 Internationals.

One of the defining moments of Rahane's career came during India's historic 2020-21 Test tour of Australia. After taking over the captaincy from Virat Kohli, he led an injury-hit Indian side to a remarkable 2-1 series triumph, a victory widely regarded as one of the greatest overseas achievements in Indian cricket history.

In his farewell message, Rahane thanked fans for their unwavering support and reflected on the values the game had taught him. He said cricket had shown him both success and failure but had also given him unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. He added that although his journey as an India cricketer had ended, his association with the sport would continue as he looks forward to mentoring the next generation.

Despite being out of the national team since the 2023 Test series against the West Indies, Rahane remained active in domestic cricket, leading Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season before stepping down after the 2024-25 campaign.