Former India vice-captain and 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy-winning captain Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a distinguished career that spanned more than 15 years.
The 38-year-old confirmed his decision through an emotional post on Instagram, writing: “Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful.”
Rahane’s retirement marks the end of the international career of one of India’s most accomplished overseas batters. Renowned for his calm temperament, elegant stroke play and sound technique, the Mumbai cricketer built a reputation for delivering under pressure, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.
Although he last represented India during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies, Rahane remained active in domestic cricket in recent seasons. He has also announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing to an end a T20 league career that lasted nearly two decades.
Melbourne Masterclass Changed the Series
Among Rahane’s many memorable performances, his unbeaten leadership and century in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2020 remain the defining moments of his career.
India entered the match after suffering the infamous 36-all-out defeat in Adelaide, with regular captain Virat Kohli returning home on paternity leave.
Leading the side, Rahane produced a composed 112 under immense pressure, guiding India to a memorable victory that levelled the series and completely shifted its momentum.
The innings is widely regarded as one of the finest captain’s knocks in Indian Test cricket.
The Captain Who Conquered the Gabba
Rahane’s greatest legacy lies in his leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Taking over the captaincy from Kohli, he led an injury-hit Indian side to one of the greatest Test series victories in cricket history.
After recovering from the Adelaide collapse, India won in Melbourne, secured a remarkable draw in Sydney despite multiple injuries and completed a famous victory at the Gabba in Brisbane—ending Australia’s unbeaten run at the venue that had lasted more than three decades.
The 2-1 series triumph remains one of India’s greatest overseas achievements and established Rahane as a calm, composed and tactically astute captain.
Career Built on Overseas Success
Rahane produced several match-winning innings during his international career, particularly away from home.
Some of his most memorable performances include:
- 103 at Lord’s against England in 2014, helping India secure a historic Test victory.
- 147 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia in 2014.
- 118 at Wellington against New Zealand in 2014.
- 188 against New Zealand at Indore in 2016, his highest Test score.
- 183 against the West Indies at North Sound in 2019.
- 112 at Melbourne in 2020, one of the defining innings of his career.
Apart from his batting, Rahane was regarded as one of India’s safest slip fielders, finishing his Test career with 102 catches.
A Lasting Legacy
Although inconsistent form in the latter part of his career eventually led to his exclusion from the national side, Rahane’s contributions to Indian cricket remain significant.
His performances in overseas conditions, composed leadership during one of India’s greatest Test triumphs and ability to deliver in difficult situations have secured his place among the country’s most respected modern cricketers.
While his international and IPL journeys have come to an end, Rahane leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, humility and some of Indian cricket’s most memorable victories.
