BCCI honours Ajinkya Rahane’s distinguished international cricket career

By Arjun Nair / 30.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

BCCI acknowledges Rahane’s career

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its congratulations to Ajinkya Rahane following his decision to retire from international cricket. Rahane’s career, spanning nearly a decade and a half, saw him become a dependable performer for India. He was recognised for his calm demeanour, resilience, and ability to perform under challenging circumstances, earning respect from teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts.

During a period when India established itself as a strong Test team globally, Rahane was a reliable batter, particularly in overseas matches. His elegant style and technical proficiency allowed him to succeed in demanding conditions. He consistently delivered significant innings when India faced pressure away from home.

His centuries at venues such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are considered defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter. These performances highlighted his capacity to adapt, absorb pressure, and rise to important occasions.

Leadership during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

A significant highlight of Rahane’s career was his leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed the captaincy after India experienced a difficult phase, including being dismissed for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The team also navigated challenges and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with expectations largely against them.

Rahane led by example, scoring a century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which helped level the series. This was followed by a notable triumph in Indian Cricket. Under Rahane’s calm guidance, India overcame injuries, inexperience, and adversity to secure a memorable series victory. This culminated in a historic win at The Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record at the venue.

As Test captain, Rahane remained unbeaten in the six matches he led, securing four wins and two draws. His captaincy was characterised by clear thinking, sound judgment, and his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates. He also captained India to a Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.

Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, stated that Rahane’s career exemplifies putting the team first. He highlighted Rahane’s performances in tough conditions and his leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a defining chapter in Indian Cricket. Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, also praised Rahane for his sincerity, integrity, and the example he set for younger players.

Tributes from former teammates

Virat Kohli paid tribute to Rahane, describing him as his “favourite Test batting partner” and “the safest pair of hands in slips.” In an Instagram post, Kohli shared a picture of himself with Rahane in India’s Test whites, commending his contributions to Indian Cricket. Kohli’s message wished Rahane well for the future.

Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket across all formats through an emotional video shared on Instagram. His international career included significant contributions in various formats. In Tests, he played 85 matches and 144 innings, accumulating 5,077 runs, which included 12 centuries and 26 fifties. His average in Tests was 38.46 with a strike rate of 49.50.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rahane participated in 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, featuring three centuries and 24 fifties. His ODI average stood at 35.26 with a strike rate of 78.63. For Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs, with one fifty. His T20I average was 20.83 and his strike rate was 113.29.

Rahane’s overall international career saw him score more than 8,000 runs. The BCCI expressed its gratitude for his contributions, noting that his professionalism, resilience, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact on the game, and his journey will continue to inspire young cricketers.

Rahane’s unbeaten record as India’s Test captain, with four wins and two draws in six matches, gives him the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led the side in at least five matches.

Source: bcci.tv