Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket: Emotional Farewell, Melbourne Century and Historic 2020-21 Series Win Remembered

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a memorable career that spanned more than a decade. The 38-year-old shared an emotional video on Instagram on Thursday, saying it was the right time to begin a "new chapter" in his life after representing India across all three formats.

Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement with Emotional Video

Rahane informed fans about his retirement through an emotional social media video, thanking supporters, teammates, coaches, and family for standing by him throughout his cricketing journey. The announcement marks the end of an international career that began in 2011 and featured several unforgettable performances for Team India.

Melbourne Century Changed the 2020-21 Australia Series

The defining moment of Rahane's career came during India's historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

After India's crushing defeat in Adelaide, where the team was dismissed for just 36 runs, regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave. Rahane took over the captaincy and responded in spectacular fashion by scoring a brilliant century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, helping India level the series 1-1.

He then guided an injury-hit Indian side to a historic 2-1 Test series victory, including the famous win at Brisbane's Gabba, ending Australia's 32-year unbeaten record at the venue.

Ajinkya Rahane's International Career

Rahane made his international debut in 2011 and represented India in all three formats.

International Career Stats

Tests: 85 matches

ODIs: 90 matches

T20 Internationals: 20 matches

His international journey lasted until 2023, with his final Test appearance coming against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

Captaincy Record

Rahane proved to be a dependable leader whenever he was entrusted with captaincy responsibilities.

Tests: Captained 6 matches – Won 4, Drawn 2

ODIs: Captained 3 matches – Won all 3

T20Is: Captained 2 matches – Won 1, Lost 1

His calm leadership during the Australia tour remains one of Indian cricket's greatest overseas achievements.

Successful IPL Career

Apart from international cricket, Rahane enjoyed a long and successful IPL career. He represented several franchises, including:

Kolkata Knight Riders

Rajasthan Royals

Rising Pune Supergiant

Delhi Capitals

Chennai Super Kings

Mumbai Indians

In 212 IPL matches, Rahane scored:

5,367 runs

Average: 30.15

Strike Rate: 125.60

Centuries: 2

Half-centuries: 35

He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders during the previous IPL season.

A Remarkable Career Comes to an End

Ajinkya Rahane will be remembered as one of India's most dependable Test batters and one of the country's finest stand-in captains. His unforgettable Melbourne century and leadership during the historic Australia series triumph have secured him a special place in Indian cricket history. While his international journey has ended, his contributions to Indian cricket will continue to inspire future generations.