Rohit Sharma wishes Ajinkya Rahane on retirement | PC- X/@ImRo45
Ajinkya Rahane announced a sudden retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, and it has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. Even his closest allies, such as Rohit Sharma, cannot believe his decision.
Although he hung up his boots as an active cricketer, the stylish right-handed batter last played for India three years ago, in 2023.
After serving his national team for 12 good years, the 38-year-old called off his time after racking up 8414 runs across formats, including 15 centuries in his illustrious career.
Rohit Sharma wishes Ajinkya Rahane on retirement
While congratulating Ajinkya Rahane on his career, Rohit Sharma posted a warm and personal message for the fellow Mumbaikar. The former Indian captain mentioned Rahane’s commitment and professionalism to the sport.
The two batters from Mumbai started off their career at a similar time, before gradually moving up through the ranks. Both Rahane and Sharma remained integral parts of the Indian set-up after the 2010s, and served the national team for a good decade.
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“We've shared the dressing room for so many years, and I know how much hard work has gone into everything you've achieved. Your commitment and professionalism have always set you apart. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Best wishes!” Rohit Sharma posted on his X handle.
Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane's iconic partnership peaked in Australia
Among various notable contributions, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21 has to be the most memorable victory in Indian history, where Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma played indispensable roles.
As India pulled off a heist in Australia after being bowled out for 36 all-out in Adelaide in the opening Test match, the Mumbaikars were the main men in the historic series. The two walked the talk as India won Down Under 2-1, after trailing behind by 0-1 in Virat Kohli’s absence.
Apart from that, Rahane and Sharma batted in 54 innings together for India, slamming 2539 runs across formats at an average of over 50. The duo featured in 7 hundred-plus partnerships and 8 fifty-plus stands for India. Having shared the dressing room since their early Mumbai cricket days, both of them had their game synchronised with each other.
What's next for Ajinkya Rahane after international retirement?
After ending the first innings of his career, Ajinkya Rahane has decided to delve into the sport that he loves the most, offering his services to shape the next generation. As he mentioned in his signing-off message, the former India captain wants to give it back to the sport in whatever capacity he can.
“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 it 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 the sport has taught me, and giving back to the game that has given me everything,” Ajinkya Rahane said while announcing his retirement.
Currently, he is in the UK for his maiden stint as a commentator in the Hundred 2026. However, don’t be shocked if he aligns himself with some domestic or IPL team in a coaching capacity.
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