NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to retire from international cricket on Thursday has sparked an outpouring of tributes from some of the biggest names in Indian sport, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the emotional farewell by recalling the qualities that defined the veteran ship’s remarkable career.Rahane, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023, brought down the curtain on an international career highlighted by his calm leadership during India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia.Among the many messages, Tendulkar’s stood out for his personal touch, having shared both the Mumbai dressing room and the crease with Rahane earlier in his career.“Congratulations on an extraordinary career, @ajinkyarahane88. The first time we fought together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard work for the team,” Tendulkar wrote on X.Reflecting on Rahane’s definitive captaincy stint in Australia, the batting legend added: “This same quality defined your finest hour in Australia. You have shown that composure is not the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless. Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the very best.”Tendulkar was at the other end when Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in Delhi in 2013, encouraging the youngster to embrace the occasion.
Shastri recalls “yeoman service” to Indian cricket
Former India coach Ravi Shastri, under whom Rahane enjoyed many of his greatest Test successes, also paid tribute to the veteran batsman.“One of India’s most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Well done Jinks.”Rahane’s best chapter came under Shastri’s tutelage when he stepped in for Virat Kohli after the 2020 Adelaide Test and led an injury-ravaged Indian team to a memorable 2-1 series win in Australia, including the famous triumph at the Gabba.
Cricket fraternity celebrates Rahane’s legacy
Cheteshwar Pujara congratulated his long-time batting partner on “a career you can be incredibly proud of”, saying it had been an honor to share countless partnerships and memories with him.The BCCI thanked Rahane for his “immense contribution to Indian cricket and all the memories that will be cherished forever”.Former opener Virender Sehwag described Rahane as “one of the most underrated cricketers” and hailed him as “the man who led India to their biggest overseas Test series win”, adding that he “never made any noise and kept on giving his best”.Shikhar Dhawan remembered Rahane as a composed leader and reliable teammate, while former all-rounder Irfan Pathan thanked him for creating “outstanding Australian memories”.Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu also joined the tributes, recalling Rahane’s memorable 103 at Lord’s in 2014, calling it an innings of “immense character and class”.Rahane retires with 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and an unbeaten record as India’s Test Captain, having recorded four wins and two draws in six matches. His calm leadership, resilience under pressure and ability to deliver in overseas conditions remain defining characteristics of a career that has earned him widespread respect in the cricketing world.