BCCI and Virat Kohli pay tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after international retirement
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated Ajinkya Rahane on his distinguished international career following his decision to retire from international cricket. Rahane’s career spanned nearly a decade and a half, during which he was considered one of India‘s most reliable performers. His calm demeanour and ability to perform under pressure earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts.
Virat Kohli also paid tribute to Rahane, describing him as his “favourite Test batting partner” and “the safest pair of hands in slips.” Kohli shared an image of himself with Rahane in India‘s Test whites on Instagram, praising his contributions to Indian cricket. Kohli’s message wished Rahane well for the future.
A Distinguished Career
Rahane was a key figure during a period when India established itself as a strong Test team, particularly excelling in overseas conditions. His elegant batting style and technical proficiency allowed him to succeed in demanding situations. He delivered crucial innings when India faced pressure away from home.
His centuries at venues such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are remembered as significant overseas hundreds by an Indian batter. These performances highlighted his adaptability and ability to handle pressure.
One of the most notable periods of Rahane’s career was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed the captaincy after India‘s challenging start in the series. Despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and low expectations, Rahane led from the front.
He scored a century at the MCG, which helped level the series. Under his leadership, India overcame injuries and inexperience to secure a memorable series victory, culminating in a historic win at The Gabba. This victory ended Australia‘s long unbeaten record at the venue. Rahane remained unbeaten as captain in the six Test matches he led, securing four wins and two draws.
As a senior member of the team, Rahane was respected for his humility, professionalism, and dedication to the team. He led by example, earning admiration from teammates, opponents, and fans through his conduct both on and off the field.
Career Statistics and Tributes
Throughout his international career, Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs. However, the BCCI noted that his contribution extended beyond statistics, bringing assurance and calm to the Indian team during challenging moments.
In Tests, Rahane played 85 matches and 144 innings, accumulating 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. His average in Tests was 38.46, with a strike rate of 49.50.
For One Day Internationals (ODIs), he participated in 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, featuring three centuries and 24 fifties. His ODI average was 35.26, and his strike rate was 78.63.
In Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Rahane played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs, with one fifty. His T20I average was 20.83, and his strike rate stood at 113.29.
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. Manhas congratulated Rahane on his career and wished him future success.
Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, praised Rahane’s leadership and integrity, noting that his contributions went beyond runs scored. He thanked Rahane for his service to Indian cricket, stating that he made every team he represented stronger through his innings, leadership, and example for younger players.
Rahane also captained India to a Test victory over Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.
Source: bcci.tv
