Ajinkya Rahane Retirement: Ajinkya Rahane, prominent Indian batter, on Thursday announced retirement from all the formats of the international cricket. Rahane, known for his resilience and elegant batting, had largely been ignored by the selectors in both the red and white ball cricket for the past few years. While sharing an emotional video on the Instagram, the veteran stated that he has given everything to the Indian cricket, adding that this is the right time for him to move on.  

Prioritised Team, Country: Rahane

In his video, Rahane stated that he always prioritised country and team over his personal records, adding that he played the sport with complete honesty. "I lived by one simple rule. Always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you," Rahane said.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Not Virat Kohli Or Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja Names One Batter He'd Choose To Bat For His Life

The veteran further stated that the Indian cricket has tremendously evolved since his debut back in 2011, adding that he will continue to contribute to the sport by nurturing the young cricketers. Rahane further thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), coaches, teammates, IPL franchises, family members, and fans for supporting him throughout his career.

Ajinkya Rahane: A Look At His Records

- In Test cricket, he scored 5,077 runs in 85 matches, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties. While his average in the red ball cricket was 38.46, he scored runs at a strike rate of 49.50.
- He played 90 matches in the ODIs and scored 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26 and strike rate of 78.63. The veteran scored 3 centuries and 24 half-centuries.
- In his 20 T20Is, Rahane scored 375 runs at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.
- Under his captaincy in test cricket, India registered four wins, two draws
- He had an undefeated Test captaincy record and the highest win percentage for an Indian Test captain with at least five matches

ALSO READ: IND vs SL: AB de Villiers Drops Honest Verdict On Rishabh Pant Selection, Explains Why He Was Surprised

- Team India defeated Australia at the Gabba in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ending Australia's long unbeaten streak at the venue

- Rahane also guided the team to victory over Afghanistan in 2018.