PTC Web Desk: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career that spanned two decades and featured some of Indian cricket's most memorable moments. The veteran batter shared the news through an emotional video message on social media on Thursday, saying the time had come to move on from the game as a player.

Rahane announces retirement with emotional message

In his farewell message, Rahane said every journey has a beginning and an end, adding that he believes the timing is right to step away from professional cricket.

Reflecting on his career, he said cricket had taught him the value of timing not only as a batter but also in life. He expressed gratitude for every opportunity he received to represent India and said wearing the national jersey had always been his biggest dream.

Rahane also said that while his playing career has ended, his association with cricket will continue as he hopes to guide and support the next generation of players.

A career built on calmness and consistency

Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in 2013 and soon became a dependable member of India's middle order, especially in overseas conditions. Over his international career, he represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals.

He scored 5,077 runs in Test cricket at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. Eight of those hundreds came away from home, underlining his reputation as one of India's most reliable overseas batters. His Test centuries came in England, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

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Rahane's greatest achievement as captain came during India's unforgettable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

After India suffered a historic collapse for 36 in Adelaide, Rahane led the side to a remarkable comeback, guiding the team to a memorable series victory despite the absence of several senior players. He captained India in six Test matches overall and won four of them. The triumph remains one of the most celebrated overseas Test series victories in Indian cricket history.

Successful journey across formats

Apart from his Test career, Rahane also featured in three ICC World Cups: the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups and the 2015 ODI World Cup.

His last T20 International appearance came against the West Indies in Lauderhill in 2016, while his final ODI was played in February 2018.

Rahane also enjoyed a long and successful Indian Premier League career. He played 212 IPL matches for six franchises after making his debut in the inaugural 2008 season. Except for the 2010 edition, he remained a regular in the tournament through 2026.

His best IPL season came in 2012 when he scored 560 runs for Rajasthan Royals. He crossed the 500-run mark again in 2015 for the same franchise. In the 2026 season, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders and scored 335 runs, finishing his IPL career with 5,367 runs.

Rahane thanks fans and the cricket fraternity

Looking back on his journey, Rahane recalled travelling from Dombivli as a young cricketer to attend practice sessions and said he had always put the team ahead of personal achievements.

He thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association, teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, his wife Radhika, family, friends and fans for supporting him throughout his career.

Ending his message on an emotional note, Rahane said cricket had taught him that failure is part of the game, but the unwavering love from supporters was something he never lost. Signing off as "Cap No. 278," he said the affection of cricket fans had been the greatest reward of his career.

MCA pays tribute to Rahane

Reacting to the announcement, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik described Rahane's retirement as the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket.

Naik praised Rahane's dedication, calm temperament under pressure and commitment to excellence, saying he had been one of Mumbai cricket's finest ambassadors. He added that Rahane's achievements and character would continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.