Former India captain Rohit Sharma shared a heartfelt message for Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Rohit, who spent many years with Rahane in the dressing room, praised his commitment, professionalism, and contribution.
The middle-order batter played several memorable innings in overseas conditions and earned praise for his calm leadership. His retirement ended an era for India's batting group from the 2010s. Virat Kohli and Rohit retired from Tests last year, while Cheteshwar Pujara stepped down from international cricket.
Your Commitment And Professionalism Have Always Set You Apart - Rohit Sharma Pays Tribute to Ajinkya Rahane
Rohit Sharma paid tribute to Ajinkya Rahane on X after the veteran announced his retirement from international cricket. Rohit shared the Indian dressing room and Mumbai team for many years.
"We've shared the dressing room for so many years, and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you've achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes."
We've shared the dressing room for so many years and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you've achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 30, 2026
Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes! @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/r7eXb1yrUz
Rahane finished his international career with 8,414 runs in 195 matches across formats at an average of 35.95, including 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries. His highest international score was 188 against New Zealand.
In Test cricket, Rahane played 85 matches and scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. He also scored 2,962 runs in 90 ODIs at an average of 35.26 and added 375 runs in 20 T20Is.
Ajinkya Rahane Maintained an Undefeated Captaincy Record
Ajinkya Rahane also earned widespread praise for his leadership. He captained India in six Tests, winning four and drawing two, finishing with an unbeaten record. Among Indian captains who have led the team in at least five Tests, he has the highest win percentage.
His finest moment as captain came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After India's 36 all-out in Adelaide, Rahane took charge of the side and responded with a match-winning 112 in Melbourne to level the series.
Rahane led a young side featuring Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur. India went on to win the series 2-1 with a famous victory at The Gabba. Rahane also captained India to Test wins against Australia in Dharamsala in 2017 and Afghanistan in 2018.
Ajinkya Rahane Excelled in Overseas SENA Conditions
Ajinkya Rahane was one of India's most dependable batters in overseas conditions. He scored 2,928 runs in 46 Tests across South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia, and the West Indies. Eight of his 12 Test centuries came away from home, including four in SENA countries.
He is third among India's middle-order batters for Test runs in SENA countries and the West Indies, behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. He scored 103 at Lord's in 2014, 147 at Melbourne against Australia, and 118 at Wellington against New Zealand.
Rahane also impressed during the 2013 Durban Test against South Africa, scoring 51 and 96. He scored 4,795 runs during India's dominant home run between 2012 and 2024 and shared 3,661 Test partnership runs with Virat Kohli in 67 innings, India's fifth-highest partnership tally.
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