It was the end of an era when announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The man who led India to a comeback series win in Australia in 2020-21 after went home for the birth of his child, finally called time on his career.
He never got to lead India much but his captaincy record, at least statistically, is better than Kohli, Rohit Sharma and .
Ajinkya Rahane at the Helm
Rahane usually led the side when the main skipper was injured or rested. As a result, he got to be at the helm on six occasions. In the six Tests that he led, India won four and drew two. Rahane never lost a Test as captain. That is something neither ‘Captain Cool’, ‘King’ nor ‘Hitman’ can boast of.
© X/BCCI
Unique Record
In fact, Rahane has the best winning percentage among Indian skippers who have led in at least five Tests. He was the man who defeated Afghanistan on their Test debut in 2018. He also led India to a famous win over Australia in 2017 in Dharamsala.
Ajinkya Rahane as Captain
Overall, Rahane led India in 11 internationals but lost only once. He was never defeated in Tests or ODIs, something none of the above-mentioned names can claim. He may not have been a regular skipper, but he was an effective one.
© X/BCCI
Calling Time on Career
Rahane had not played for India in any format since 2023. He turned 38 this year and has been playing for India since 2011. So, calling time seemed like the right call with the odds of a comeback looking bleak.
A Jack of All Trades
Among the big names, Rahane was a silent spectator who just did his job like it was second nature. In his own way, he was India’s secret weapon especially when the going got tough. Whether it was all out attack or stability, Rahane was the go-to man.