"Only true heir to Rahul Dravid": Vikrant Massey celebrates Ajinkya Rahane's "selfless service, grit, passion"
Mumbai, July 31
Actor Vikrant Massey has penned a heartfelt note for Indian middle-order batting veteran Ajinkya Rahane, a day after the cricketer announced his retirement from his international career.
In an Instagram post, Massey wrote, "Some players leave behind records. Others leave behind a standard. You played for the team before yourself, met triumph with humility and setbacks with quiet dignity, and reminded us that character can be as inspiring as talent."
Vikrant Massey went on to call Rahane the "true heir to Rahul Dravid", stating that the world remains indebted to him.
"You've been the only true heir to Rahul Dravid, and that alone is enough for the world to be indebted to you. In an age where visibility is often mistaken for value, you proved that true talent needs no PR campaign. Your selfless service, grit and passion for the game will be remembered for generations to come. Indian cricket is richer because you wore its colours. Thank you, Jinks," he added.
Earlier, members of the cricket fraternity also came forward to celebrate Rahane's illustrious career, including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Jasprit Bumrah, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and KL Rahul.
On Thursday, Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats through an emotional video shared on Instagram, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning nearly two decades.
In Tests, Rahane 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.
His tenure included a memorable comeback victory in Melbourne and India's historic triumph at the Gabba, which ended Australia's long unbeaten streak at the venue during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which the Asian Giants won 2-1.
Rahane also led India to a crucial Test win against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Well said Vikrant! Rahane's humility and dedication were his greatest strengths. A true role model for the younger generation.
Doesn't get the credit he deserves. His captaincy during Australia tour was top-notch. Wish we had seen more of him in the recent years though.
As someone who watched cricket from abroad, Rahane was always the epitome of class. His knock at Melbourne was one of the best I've ever seen. Respect.
The comparison to Dravid is spot on. Both were unfairly dropped time and again, but never complained. Jinks, you will be missed. Thank you for the memories! 🙏
Sometimes I feel our team management didn't back him enough. He gave his everything whenever he got a chance. All the best for your future endeavors, Jinks!
Class act from start to finish. The way he handled pressure in Australia was remarkable. A true warrior on the field and a gentleman off it.
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