Watch: Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement in tears

Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, bringing an end to a remarkable career that lasted more than a decade. Known for his calm temperament, solid technique, and memorable performances in overseas conditions, Rahane shared the emotional news through a heartfelt video on Instagram.

Fighting back tears, Rahane thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for supporting him throughout his journey. In the caption of his post, he wrote, “Cap number 278 is saying goodbye. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will be grateful for the rest of my life.” The emotional farewell quickly went viral across social media.

One of the most powerful moments in the video came when Rahane said, “We fail more often than we succeed,” reflecting on the highs and lows of his cricket career. The heartfelt message touched fans, who praised the former India batter for his humility and contributions to Indian cricket.

Watch the viral retirement video below.

"We fail more often than we succeed" — Rahane's emotional full retirement video message to fans

Ajinkya Rahane confirmed his retirement from international cricket and all formats through an emotional video shared on Instagram. Explaining his decision, he said, "The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting, and today I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats."

Looking back on his journey, Rahane recalled the sacrifices he made to achieve his dream of playing for India. He said, "From those early days travelling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap." He also added, "I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty, and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you."

Rahane thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association, his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support. Ending his farewell on an emotional note, he said, "'Ajinkya' means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed. My team has lost matches, I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your hearts. You always treated me like your own. Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap No. 278, signing off."

From Border-Gavaskar glory in Australia to 212 IPL games, Inside Rahane's 15-year journey

Ajinkya Rahane's international career lasted 15 years and included several memorable achievements for Team India. His biggest moment came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he led India to a historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia after the team suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test. Under his captaincy, India registered famous victories in Melbourne and at the Gabba, ending Australia's long unbeaten run at the Brisbane venue. Rahane also captained India to Test wins against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and Afghanistan in 2018.

Rahane played 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He also represented India in 90 ODIs, scoring 2,962 runs with three centuries and 24 fifties, while adding 375 runs in 20 T20Is. His final appearance for India came during the 2023 Test tour of the West Indies. Before that, he last played an ODI in 2018 against England and a T20I in 2016 against the West Indies.

Apart from international cricket, Rahane enjoyed a successful IPL career. He represented Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Across 212 IPL matches, he scored 5,367 runs, including two centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him one of the league's most consistent Indian batters.

Tributes pour in as cricket fraternity reacts to Rahane's retirement

Tributes poured in from across the cricket world after Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket. Former teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, and fans thanked the veteran batter for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. Many praised his calm leadership, humility, and memorable performances over the years.

Several members of the cricket fraternity also recalled Rahane's biggest achievements, including India's historic 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia under his captaincy. Fans on social media described him as one of India's most dependable batters and congratulated him on a remarkable international career. Here is how the fans reacted:

Rahane's emotional farewell video quickly went viral, with his message, "We fail more often than we succeed," striking a chord with cricket lovers around the world. Thousands of fans shared heartfelt messages, thanking the former India vice-captain for his dedication, sportsmanship, and unforgettable contributions to the game.