announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Following his retirement, Team India’s opening batsman Rohit Sharma paid a tribute by sharing a post on his official social media handle.
“We’ve shared the dressing room for so many years and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you’ve achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes! @ajinkyarahane88,” he wrote.
The 38-year-old cricketer’s retirement also marked the end of the Indian side’s iconic slip cordon, which, apart from Rahane, had the likes of , Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma.
Special qualities of Team India’s slip cordon:
Virat Kohli: Known for his aggression, Kohli has always been a top-class fielder. He also showcased concentration and was one of the most reliable fielders in Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma: A leader who leads by example. He is often considered a laid-back player, but was never casual when it comes to intense cricketing moments.
Ajinkya Rahane: The veteran is considered one of the safest hands in the game of cricket. Over the years, Rahane stunned the fans by taking sharp catches in the slips.
Cheteshwar Pujara: Team India’s Test specialist, Pujara, also had the quality of immense concentration. He brought calm in that cordon along with Rahane.
Ajinkya Rahane’s international career statistics
In , he played 85 matches and 144 innings, scoring 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, at an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50.
In ODIs, he has featured in 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, with 3 centuries and 24 fifties, at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63. In T20Is, he has played 20 matches and 20 innings, scoring 375 runs, with no centuries and one fifty, at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.
Rahane had an undefeated Test captaincy record, featuring four wins, two draws, and the highest win percentage for an Indian Test captain with at least five matches.