BCCI's emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after retirement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has paid tribute and congratulated Ajinkya Rahane for an outstanding international career after he decided to retire from all formats. His calm presence, resilience, and ability to deliver in one of the toughest situations earned him the respect of teammates.

Rahane’s first chapter came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020-21 in Australia as he took over the leadership at a time when India faced one of its toughest moments after being blown away for 36 runs in the opening game at the Adelaide Oval.

BCCI's emotional message for Ajinkya Rahane after his international retirement

The BCCI has expressed its heartfelt gratitude for his immense contribution to Indian cricket. His journey will continue to inspire the young players across the country.

“Ajinkya Rahane's career is a fine example of what it means to put the team first. He earned his reputation through performances in some of the toughest conditions in world cricket and became one of India's most dependable batters overseas. Leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will forever remain one of the defining chapters in Indian Cricket.” The BCCI president, Mithun Manhas, added.

The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, noted that his contributions to Indian cricket have been more than just a few runs with the bat as he played some important knocks in tough situations.

“Ajinkya, you can be immensely proud of the way you led India and the way you played this great game. You played cricket with the utmost sincerity and integrity, qualities every dressing room values. You let your cricket do the talking and earned the respect of everyone who shared a dressing room with you.” Saikia reflected.

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Rahane finished his 12-year international career, spanning 2011 to 2023, with 5077 runs at 38.46, thanks to his 12 centuries. In ODIs, he slammed 2962 runs at 35.26 with three hundreds and 375 runs at 20.83 in T20Is.

“I've always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days traveling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had.” Rahane thanked the Indian board.

“To the BCCI, the MCA, my team-mates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you. And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through all highs and lows.” He concluded in an emotional message.

Rahane has currently been in the United Kingdom, doing commentary for the BBCI in The Hundred 2026.