BCCI pays homage to Ajinkya Rahane, president and secretary laud his contribution to Indian cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated Ajinkya Rahane on an outstanding international career following his decision to retire from international cricket. Over nearly a decade and a half, Rahane became one of India's most trusted performers. His calm presence, resilience and ability to deliver in the toughest situations earned him the respect of teammates, opponents and cricket lovers alike.

At a time when India established itself as one of the strongest Test teams in the world, Rahane emerged as one of its most dependable batters, particularly in overseas conditions. Elegant at the crease and technically sound, he possessed the temperament to succeed when the conditions were at their most demanding. Time and again, when India found itself under pressure away from home, Rahane responded with innings of substance. His centuries at Lord's, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston and Durban remain among the defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter, each reflecting his ability to adapt, absorb pressure and rise to the occasion.

His finest chapter came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rahane took over the captaincy at a time when India was facing one of its toughest moments after being shot out for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. With the squad navigating the challenges and restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations were firmly against India. He led from the front with a magnificent century at the MCG that levelled the series.

What followed was one of the greatest triumphs in Indian Cricket. Under Rahane's calm leadership, India overcame injuries, inexperience and adversity to secure a memorable series victory, capped by the historic win at The Gabba, where Australia's 32-year unbeaten record came to an end. Leading India in six Test matches, Rahane remained unbeaten as captain, winning four and drawing two. His leadership was marked by clarity of thought, sound judgement, and the belief he instilled in those around him.

As one of the senior members of the dressing room, he was respected for his humility, professionalism and willingness to put the team before himself. He led by example and earned the admiration of teammates, opponents and cricket fans through the way he carried himself both on and off the field.

Across his international career, Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs. Yet, numbers alone cannot define his contribution. He brought assurance to the Indian team, calm in moments of pressure and led by example through his dedication to the game.

The BCCI expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Ajinkya Rahane for his immense contribution to Indian Cricket. His professionalism, resilience and sportsmanship have left a lasting impact on the game and his journey will continue to inspire young cricketers across the country.

BCCI president Mithun Manhas hailed the 38-year-old for being the ultimate team man and acknowledged his contribution as the stand-in interim captain during India's iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in 2020-21.

"Ajinkya Rahane's career is a fine example of what it means to put the team first. He earned his reputation through performances in some of the toughest conditions in world cricket and became one of India's most dependable batters overseas. His leadership during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will forever remain one of the defining chapters in Indian Cricket. Taking charge after the opening Test, he led a young side through extraordinary circumstances to a famous series victory, culminating in the historic triumph at The Gabba. On behalf of the BCCI, I congratulate Ajinkya on a distinguished international career and wish him every success in the years ahead," Manhas said.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia thanked Rahane for his outstanding service to Indian cricket, helping the Men in Blue reach surreal heights by scoring runs and guiding the younger players around him.

"Ajinkya, you can be immensely proud of the way you led India and the way you played this great game. You played cricket with the utmost sincerity and integrity, qualities every dressing room values. You let your cricket do the talking and earned the respect of everyone who shared a dressing room with you. Your contributions to Indian Cricket went far beyond the runs you scored. Through important innings, thoughtful leadership and the example you set for younger players, you made every team you represented stronger. I thank you for your outstanding service to Indian Cricket," Saikia said.