BCCI honours Ajinkya Rahane’s distinguished international career

By Rohan Gupta — 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. Rahane’s career, spanning nearly a decade and a half, saw him become a reliable performer for India, known for his calm demeanour, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.

During a period when India solidified its position as a leading Test team globally, Rahane emerged as a crucial batter, particularly in overseas conditions. His elegant style and technical proficiency allowed him to excel even when conditions were most challenging. He frequently delivered significant innings when India faced pressure away from home.

Notable centuries from Rahane at venues such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are considered defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter. These performances highlighted his capacity to adapt, absorb pressure, and rise to critical moments.

Leadership and Key Achievements

One of the most significant periods of Rahane’s career was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed captaincy after India had been dismissed for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, facing considerable challenges and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rahane led from the front, scoring a century at the MCG that helped level the series.

Under his leadership, India achieved a memorable series victory, overcoming injuries and inexperience. This triumph culminated in a historic win at The Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record at the venue. Rahane captained India in six Test matches, remaining unbeaten with four wins and two draws. His captaincy was characterised by clear thinking, sound judgment, and the confidence he instilled in his teammates.

Virat Kohli, a former India batter, also paid tribute to Rahane, describing him as his “favourite Test batting partner” and “the safest pair of hands in slips.” Kohli shared an image of himself with Rahane in India’s Test whites on social media, commending his long-standing contributions to Indian cricket. Kohli’s message highlighted Rahane’s journey and his impact on the team, wishing him well for the future.

Rahane’s leadership extended beyond the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as he also captained India to a Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.

Career Statistics and Tributes

Across his international career, Rahane accumulated more than 8,000 runs. However, the BCCI noted that his contributions extended beyond mere statistics, bringing assurance and calm to the Indian team during high-pressure situations and leading by example through his dedication to the sport.

In Test cricket, Rahane played 85 matches and 144 innings, scoring 5,077 runs, which included 12 centuries and 26 fifties. His average in Tests was 38.46, with a strike rate of 49.50. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he featured in 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, with three centuries and 24 fifties, at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63.

For Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Rahane played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs, with one fifty, at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29. He concluded his career with an unbeaten record as India’s Test captain, achieving the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led in at least five matches.

Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, praised Rahane’s career as an example of prioritising the team. He acknowledged Rahane’s performances in challenging conditions and his dependable batting overseas. Manhas specifically highlighted Rahane’s leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a defining chapter in Indian cricket, where he guided a young team through difficult circumstances to a famous series victory.

Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, commended Rahane for his sincerity and integrity in playing the game. He noted that Rahane’s contributions went beyond his runs, encompassing thoughtful leadership and setting an example for younger players, thereby strengthening every team he represented.

The BCCI expressed its gratitude for Rahane’s contributions, stating that his professionalism, resilience, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact on the game and will continue to inspire young cricketers across the country.

Source: bcci.tv