Last Updated on 49 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Ajinkya Rahane has called time on his career, announcing his retirement from all formats of the game after a journey spanning close to two decades. The 38-year-old Mumbai batter announced the news in a video on Instagram looking back at his journey in international cricket and Indian Premier League, thanking everyone who helped him along the way.
Known for his calm and composed nature, Rahane played for India in all three formats and was considered one of the most dependable batters of the country, especially overseas. His impact on Test cricket and his captaincy in India’s historic series victories in Australia in 2020/21 locked him in as one of the best batters of his generation.
Rahane’s Career-Defining Lord’s Test Century
Rahane’s progress started at the domestic level with Mumbai. He had a great time in the Ranji Trophy and was instrumental in the side claiming yet another title with the Mumbai team. His form earned him a long awaited Test debut in 2013 and he quickly repaid the faith shown in him with impressive performances in South Africa before registering his maiden Test hundred in New Zealand.
But the moment that defined his career came at Lord’s in July 2014. Rahane’s memorable 103 in the first innings on a lively green surface came against a formidable England pace attack led by James Anderson and Stuart Broad. His hundred at a ground where Indian batsmen have faltered often paved the way for India’s first Test win at Lord’s in 28 years and remains one of the best hundreds by an Indian batsman abroad.
Rahane kept coming good in the away from home tours with centuries in Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa boasting himself as India’s best overseas player in the period of 2014 to 2017. He also played a few match-turning innings in tough conditions, including a crucial partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara in India’s famous Bengaluru Test win against Australia in 2017. Towards the end of his Test career his form dipped but his contributions in tough overseas conditions are among the biggest highlights of his international journey.
Versatile, An IPL Journey Through Franchises
Rahane started his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in the first season in 2008, but he had limited opportunities in the early part of his career. He joined the Rajasthan Royals and his career took off and he became one of the most dependable Indian batters in the tournament. He scored several match-winning knocks in his five years at the franchise and had his best batting years in 2012 and 2015.
Later, he played for Rising Pune Supergiants for two seasons and was a regular feature, even leading the side in one match in the absence of regular captain Steven Smith.
A move to Delhi Capitals saw a lean patch and his next stint with Kolkata Knight Riders also didn’t help in reviving his fortunes. Rahane had a tough time scoring freely and struggled to get a regular place in the playing eleven during this period.
However, he made a sensational return to his IPL career in 2023 after joining Chennai Super Kings. Rahane reinvented his batting approach and became an aggressive middle order option, batting with far greater intent. His fearless stroke play proved to be a boon in Chennai’s title-winning campaign, helping him win his maiden IPL trophy and have one of the most successful seasons of his T20 career.
Although he may not be able to replicate the same impact next season, Rahane’s evolution in 2023 was a testament of his ability to adapt even in the latter phase of his career.
CricBlog wishes the Star Dombivli Cricketer all the best for his new future endeavours, as he is set to join commentary panel now for the upcoming Indian tours and IPL seasons with full time commitment now towards the broadcasing and his Youtube channel as well.
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