NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to retire from international cricket on Thursday triggered an outpouring of tributes from some of Indian sport’s biggest names, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the emotional farewell by recalling the qualities that defined the veteran batter’s remarkable career.Rahane, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023, brought the curtain down on an international career highlighted by his calm leadership during India’s historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia.Among the many messages, Tendulkar’s stood out for its personal touch, having shared both the Mumbai dressing room and the crease with Rahane early in his career.“Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88. The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team,” Tendulkar wrote on X.Reflecting on Rahane’s defining captaincy stint in Australia, the batting legend added: “That same quality defined your finest hour in Australia. You showed that composure isn’t the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless. Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the very best.”Tendulkar was at the other end when Rahane made his Test debut against Australia in Delhi in 2013, encouraging the youngster to embrace the occasion.
Shastri recalls ‘yeoman service’ to Indian cricket
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, under whom Rahane enjoyed many of his biggest Test successes, also paid tribute to the veteran batter.“One of India’s most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Well done Jinks.”Rahane’s finest chapter came under Shastri’s coaching when he stepped in for Virat Kohli after the Adelaide Test in 2020 and led an injury-ravaged Indian side to a memorable 2-1 series victory in Australia, including the famous triumph at the Gabba.
Cricket fraternity celebrates Rahane’s legacy
Cheteshwar Pujara congratulated his long-time batting partner on “a career you can be incredibly proud of,” saying it had been an honour sharing countless partnerships and memories with him.The BCCI thanked Rahane for his “immense contribution to Indian cricket and all the memories that will be cherished forever.”Former opener Virender Sehwag described Rahane as “one of the most underrated cricketers” and hailed him as “the man who led India to its greatest ever overseas Test series win,” adding that he “never made any noise and kept giving his best.”Shikhar Dhawan remembered Rahane as a composed leader and dependable teammate, while former all-rounder Irfan Pathan thanked him for creating “outstanding Australian memories.”Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also joined the tributes, recalling Rahane’s memorable 103 at Lord’s in 2014, calling it an innings of “immense character and class.”Rahane retires with 5,077 Test runs, including 12 centuries, and an unbeaten record as India’s Test captain, having registered four wins and two draws in six matches. His calm leadership, resilience under pressure and ability to deliver in overseas conditions remain defining features of a career that earned widespread respect across the cricketing world.
