Virat Kohli calls Ajinkya Rahane his "favourite Test batting partner"
New Delhi, July 30
Star cricketer Virat Kohli penned a touching tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after the latter announced his retirement from international cricket.
In an Instagram post, Kohli called Rahane his "favourite Test batting partner" and "the safest pair of hands in slips".
"Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You've done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless," Kohli posted.
Kohli also shared a picture with Rahane, with both cricketers dressed in the iconic white Test jersey.
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
Such a sweet gesture from King Kohli! 🏏 They shared so many crucial partnerships. Rahane was always that calm head in the slips and at the crease. Remember his 100 at Lord's in 2014? Pure class. Hope he continues in IPL and mentors young talents. India's bench strength owes a lot to his example.
I think it's a bit premature for retirement - he could have played a season more in domestic to regain form. But he knows his body best. That said, no one can take away his captaincy record: 4 wins, 2 draws, highest win percentage among Indian Test captains with 5+ matches. That's incredible leadership. Also, those 12 Test centuries won't be forgotten.
As an Aussie fan who watched that 2020-21 series, I have nothing but respect for Rahane. Leading a young team to win at the Gabba after Adelaide's 36 all out was incredible. Kohli's tribute is spot-on - Rahane was the anchor. 🇮🇳🇦🇺 Great career, Jinks!
Honestly, Rahane's career is a lesson in resilience. He went through awful form slumps but always fought back. That Melbourne hundred when India were down and out - that's the stuff of legends. Sad to see him go, but what a career! Hope BCCI gives him a proper farewell at Wankhede or something. Jinks, you'll be missed! 🙏
One of the most underrated Test bats
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