BCCI Recognises Rahane’s Contributions
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its congratulations to Ajinkya Rahane following his decision to retire from international cricket. The organisation acknowledged his outstanding international career, which spanned nearly a decade and a half, during which he was considered one of India‘s most reliable performers. His calm demeanour, resilience, and consistent ability to perform under pressure earned him significant respect from teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts.
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 thrive in challenging environments. He frequently delivered significant innings when India faced pressure away from home. His centuries in locations such as Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston, and Durban are remembered as defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter, showcasing his adaptability and ability to rise to important occasions.
Mr. Mithun Manhas, BCCI President, praised Rahane, stating that his career exemplifies putting the team first. Manhas highlighted Rahane‘s reputation, built through performances in some of the most demanding conditions in world cricket, establishing him as one of India‘s most dependable overseas batters. Mr. Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, also commended Rahane for his sincerity and integrity in playing the game, noting that his contributions extended beyond mere runs, making every team he represented stronger.
Captaincy and Key Achievements
A significant chapter in Rahane‘s career unfolded during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He assumed captaincy at a critical juncture after India‘s challenging performance in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Despite the difficulties and restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with expectations largely against India, Rahane led by example. His magnificent century at the MCG was instrumental in levelling the series.
This period led to one of the most remarkable triumphs in Indian Cricket. Under Rahane‘s composed leadership, India overcame injuries, inexperience, and adversity to achieve a memorable series victory. This culminated in a historic win at The Gabba, ending Australia‘s 32-year unbeaten record at the venue. Rahane maintained an unbeaten record as captain in the six Test matches he led, securing four wins and two draws. His leadership was characterised by clear thinking, sound judgment, and the confidence he instilled in his teammates.
Beyond the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahane also captained India to a Test victory against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017. His professionalism, humility, and willingness to prioritise the team earned him respect as a senior member of the dressing room. He led by example, earning admiration from teammates, opponents, and fans through his conduct both on and off the field.
Tributes and Career Statistics
Virat Kohli paid tribute to Ajinkya Rahane, describing him as his “favourite Test batting partner” and “the safest pair of hands in slips.” In an Instagram post, Kohli shared a picture with Rahane in India‘s Test whites, commending his long-standing contributions to Indian cricket. Kohli congratulated Rahane on a great career, expressing pride in his journey and wishing him well.
Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats through an emotional video shared on Instagram, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades. Throughout his international career, Rahane accumulated more than 8,000 runs. The BCCI emphasised that numbers alone do not fully capture his impact, highlighting the assurance, calm presence, and dedication he brought to the team.
In Test cricket, Rahane played 85 matches and 144 innings, scoring 5,077 runs. This included 12 centuries and 26 fifties, with an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50. For One Day Internationals (ODIs), he featured in 90 matches and 87 innings, accumulating 2,962 runs, with three centuries and 24 fifties, at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63. In T20Is, he played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs, with one fifty, at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.
His unbeaten record as India‘s Test captain, with four wins and two draws in six Tests, gives him the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led the side in at least five matches. The BCCI expressed heartfelt gratitude for his immense contribution, noting that his professionalism, resilience, and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact and will continue to inspire young cricketers across the country.
Source: bcci.tv
