Pujara, PV Sindhu congratulate Ajinkya Rahane after international retirement
New Delhi, July 30
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara and Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from international cricket.
Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats on Thursday through an emotional video shared on Instagram, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning nearly two decades.
Pujara, who shared the dressing room with Rahane for several years, congratulated his former teammate and recalled the partnerships and memories they created together.
"Congratulations on a career you can be incredibly proud of, Ajinkya! It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you over the years; and building partnerships and memories on and off the field that will always fondly remember. Wishing you and the family the absolute best in this next chapter," Pujara wrote on X.
PV Sindhu also congratulated Rahane on his retirement, praising his courage, calmness and performances in challenging conditions.
"Wishing you the happiest of retirements, Jinks! Your career has been a testament to courage, calmness and some incredibly gritty innings in the toughest of conditions. That brilliant 103 at Lord's in 2014, in some of the most difficult circumstances, will always stand out. India were under pressure, the conditions were challenging, and you produced an innings filled with immense character and class. Wishing you a fabulous second innings, filled with happiness, success and everything you love. Congratulations on a wonderful career!" Sindhu wrote on X.
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 and guided the team to victory over Afghanistan in 2018.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Australian cricket fan, I have to say Rahane was always a tough opponent. That Gabba chase was incredible—calm and composed. He really epitomized the resilience of Indian cricket. Happy retirement, Jinks!
His Test captaincy record is underrated—unbeaten, led from the front in Australia, and instilled belief in the team after the Adelaide collapse. Thank you, Rahane, for those unforgettable memories. Wish we had seen more of him in recent years though.
Lovely to see both Pujara and Sindhu taking time to congratulate him. It really shows the bond in Indian sports. That Lord's knock is iconic—no wonder Sindhu mentioned it. A true fighter.
Sometimes we forget how much he contributed away from the limelight. His 112 against New Zealand in 2016, the 81 in Centurion—he was our crisis manager. Of course, his form dipped later, but what a servant to Indian cricket. 👏
I remember watching that Gabba win live—Rahane's calmness as captain was inspirational. To go from 36 all out to a series win in Australia takes serious character. Enjoy retirement, Rahane. You earned it.
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