Former and current Indian cricketers congratulated each other Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batsman announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Rahane, in a video posted on his Instagram, said the time was right for him to “move on”, bringing down the curtain on a memorable international career.The 38-year-old has represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. The Mumbai batsman ended his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In ODIs, I scored 2,962 runs in 90 matches at an average of 35.26, with three centuries and 24 fifties. He also played 20 T20Is, scoring 375 runs.One of the biggest highlights of Rahane’s career came in 2021 when he captained a wounded Indian team to a famous 2-1 Test series win in Australia after Virat Kohli returned home after the opening Test.Soon after Rahane announced his retirement, many former and current cricketers took to social media to thank him for his contribution to Indian cricket and wish him well for the future.“Jinks kitne tours, kitne dressing rooms, kitni partnerships… aur kitni yaadein. Captain ke roop mein bhi tujhe utna hi compound dekha, aur teammate ke roop mein bhi utna hi reliable. Bahar se hamesha calm… andar se sirf India ke liye ladne wala insapter. love bro,” wrote Shikhar Dhawan on Instagram.
“A career built on class, discipline and unwavering commitment comes to an end. Thank you for every run, every fight and every unforgettable moment in the Indian jersey. Wishing you success in the next chapter. @ajinkyarahane,” Shami wrote while sharing an Instagram story.
“Congrats @ajinkyarahane on a great career. It’s been amazing sharing the dressing room with you and creating so many great memories. The grace and humility with which you have carried yourself throughout your career has been truly inspiring. Best wishes for whatever lies ahead,” wrote Jasprit Bumrah.
“One of the most underrated cricketers, and the man who led India to their biggest overseas Test series win @ajinkyarahane88. Calm, Solid. Kabhi shor nahi kiya, aur apna best karta raha. Like against SA in Delhi, 2015 after a wonderful first innings, you can have a great second innings,” wrote X.“Congratulations @ajinkyarahane88 on your wonderful career. Thanks for some outstanding Australian memories on the cricketing field. Good luck for the future buddy,” said Irfan Pathan. “Ajinkya Rahane, congratulations on an outstanding international career @ajinkyarahane88. From classy centuries in challenging overseas conditions to leading India to historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia, your calm leadership, resilience and unwavering commitment inspire millions. contribution to Indian cricket. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter of your journey,” wrote former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh.