Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Having had a distinguished career, Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20I matches, racking up 5077, 2962 and 375 runs respectively. He also actively played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring in 212 matches for six teams. 

"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and I have always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats," Rahane said in a video on Instagram.

"From those early days traveling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap. I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself.I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you. Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't."

"I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me, and giving back to the game that has given me everything.From starting out as a young player in Mumbai, to playing for India, it has been an absolute honor. There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams, and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career. To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchise, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends, and everyone who stood by me, thank you."

"And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low.Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed. My team has lost matches, I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your hearts. (In Marathi) You always treated me like your own.Thank you for your love, your faith, and your support. Cap number 278, signing off," Rahane stated.

The most notable achievement in his career came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he led team India side to a sensational 2-1 Test series victory in Australia in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli. Rahane was also part of team India that advanced to the 2015 World Cup semi-finals and the 2023 World Test Championship final. Rahane last featured for India in 2023 during India’s Test tour of West Indies.