Middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket at age 38, ending a career spanning over a decade in which he established himself as a resolute test player and occasional captain.

Ajinkya Rahane, the Mumbai-based batter who represented India across multiple formats, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday through a video posted on social media. The 38-year-old cited timing as central to his decision, drawing parallels to his batting philosophy. "When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward," Rahane said, noting that his understanding of timing in cricket had guided both his playing style and his decision to step away from the sport.

Rahane's international career spanned from 2011, when he made his debut in Twenty20 cricket, to July 2023, when he played his final test match. During this period, he firmly established himself as a key middle-order test player, accumulating 5,077 runs across 85 test appearances at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. He had not featured in white-ball cricket for India since 2018. His approach to the game was characterised by defensive discipline and patience, qualities that defined his contributions to the team.

Beyond his role as a regular player, Rahane served as India's stand-in test captain on several occasions, most notably during the 2020-21 tour of Australia. Leading in the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahane orchestrated a memorable turnaround, guiding India to a 2-1 series victory after a difficult start. He captained India in six test matches across series against Australia, Afghanistan, and New Zealand, compiling an unbeaten record of four wins and two draws.

In his retirement statement, Rahane emphasised his commitment to his country and team throughout his career. "I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself," he said. Rahane currently works as a commentator for The Hundred cricket tournament in England and continues to participate in domestic franchise cricket competitions.