BCCI honours Ajinkya Rahane’s distinguished international career

By Sanjay Menon — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its congratulations to Ajinkya Rahane following his decision to retire from international cricket. Over a career spanning nearly a decade and a half, Rahane was recognised as a dependable performer for India, known for his calm demeanour and ability to perform under pressure.

Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, stated that Rahane’s career exemplifies putting the team first, earning his reputation through performances in challenging conditions globally. Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, also praised Rahane for his sincerity, integrity, and the example he set for younger players.

A distinguished Test career

Rahane emerged as a reliable batter for India, particularly in overseas Test matches, during a period when the team solidified its position as one of the strongest in the world. His centuries at venues such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are highlighted as significant overseas hundreds by an Indian batter, showcasing his adaptability and ability to perform under pressure.

His leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is considered a defining chapter in Indian Cricket. Rahane assumed captaincy after India faced a challenging situation in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, where the team was dismissed for 36. Despite the challenges and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led from the front with a century at the MCG, which helped level the series.

Under Rahane’s captaincy, India overcame injuries and inexperience to secure a memorable series victory, culminating in a historic win at The Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record at the venue. He remained unbeaten as captain in the six Test matches he led, securing four wins and two draws. His leadership was characterised by clear thinking, sound judgment, and the belief he instilled in his teammates.

Across his international career, Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs. Beyond the statistics, his contribution to the Indian team included bringing assurance in moments of pressure and leading by example through his dedication to the sport. The BCCI expressed gratitude for his contributions, noting that his professionalism, resilience, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact on the game.

Tributes from teammates and career statistics

Virat Kohli paid tribute to Ajinkya 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 with Rahane in India’s Test whites, praising his contributions to Indian cricket and wishing him well.

Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket across all formats through a video shared on Instagram, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades. His career statistics include:

• Tests: 85 matches, 144 innings, 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50.
• ODIs: 90 matches, 87 innings, 2,962 runs, with three centuries and 24 fifties, with an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63.
• T20Is: 20 matches, 375 runs, with no centuries and one fifty, with an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.

Rahane also holds an unbeaten record as India’s Test captain, having led the team in six Tests with four wins and two draws. This record gives him the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led the side in at least five matches. His captaincy achievements include the comeback victory in Melbourne and the series-clinching win at The Gabba during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India defeated Australia 2-1. Additionally, Rahane led India to a Test victory over Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.

The BCCI extended its best wishes to Ajinkya Rahane for his future endeavours.

Source: bcci.tv