'My favourite Test batting partner': Virat Kohli pens heartfelt note for Ajinkya Rahane's all-format cricket retirement

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on July 30, bringing an end to a memorable career. The 38-year-old shared the news through an emotional social media post, saying the time had come to move on after proudly representing India for more than a decade.

Soon after the announcement, Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime teammate on X. Calling Rahane his "favourite Test batting partner", Kohli praised his former vice-captain for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket. He also described Rahane as "the safest pair of hands in slips" and thanked him for the many memorable moments they shared on the field.

Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, scoring 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, along with 2,962 ODI runs and 375 T20I runs. His final international appearance came during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies. Kohli said Rahane could look back on his career with pride, adding that his contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered.

"My favourite Test batting partner" — Virat Kohli's full tribute to Ajinkya Rahane

Virat Kohli paid an emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. Sharing a photo of the two in India's Test whites on social media, Kohli praised Rahane's contribution to Indian cricket and reflected on the successful partnership they built in Test cricket.

In his heartfelt message, Kohli wrote, "Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You've done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless." The tribute quickly went viral, with fans appreciating the bond shared by the two former teammates.

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Rahane announced his retirement through an emotional video on Instagram, bringing an end to an international career that lasted nearly two decades. He finished with 5,077 runs in 85 Tests, including 12 centuries, while also scoring 2,962 runs in 90 ODIs and 375 runs in 20 T20Is, leaving behind a memorable legacy in Indian cricket.

Top 5 Virat Kohli–Ajinkya Rahane partnerships that defined Indian Test cricket

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane formed one of India's most successful batting pairs in Test cricket. Together, they scored 3,661 runs in 67 innings at an impressive average of 56.32, making them one of India's top five Test partnerships. Here are their five most memorable stands.

5. 178 Runs vs South Africa, Pune (2019)

Kohli and Rahane added 178 runs for the fourth wicket in Pune after Mayank Agarwal's century laid the foundation. Kohli remained unbeaten on 254, while Rahane scored 59. Their partnership helped India post 601/5 declared and secure a dominant victory.

4. 222 Runs vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad (2017)

Against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, the duo shared a 222-run fourth-wicket partnership. Kohli scored 191, while Rahane made a valuable 82. Their stand helped India build a massive first-innings total and comfortably win the Test.

See also -"Thank you for your immense contribution" — BCCI pays tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after international retirement

3. 159 Runs vs England, Nottingham (2018)

With India under pressure at 82/3, Kohli and Rahane rescued the innings with a 159-run partnership. Kohli scored 97, while Rahane contributed 81. Their stand laid the foundation for India's memorable Test victory.

2. 365 Runs vs New Zealand, Indore (2016)

Kohli and Rahane produced a record 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket against New Zealand. Kohli scored 211, while Rahane made 188. Their brilliant stand powered India to 557/5 declared and a convincing win.

1. 262 Runs vs Australia, Melbourne (2014)

Their finest partnership came in Melbourne, where they added 262 runs under immense pressure. Kohli scored 169, and Rahane made 147, helping India recover from 147/3 to 465. Their partnership secured a draw and remains one of India's greatest overseas Test stands.

Fans react as Virat Kohli pays heartfelt tribute to Ajinkya Rahane

Virat Kohli's heartfelt tribute to Ajinkya Rahane quickly went viral on social media after the veteran batter announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. Fans praised Kohli for calling Rahane his "favourite Test batting partner" and remembered the memorable partnerships the two shared in India's Test victories.

Many cricket fans also thanked Rahane for his contributions to Indian cricket, especially his performances in overseas Tests and his successful captaincy during India's historic 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia. Several users described him as one of India's most dependable and underrated cricketers. Here is how the fans recated:

The emotional exchange between Kohli and Rahane reminded fans of an unforgettable era in Indian Test cricket. As tributes continued to pour in from former players, teammates, and supporters, many wished Rahane success in the next chapter of his journey while celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.