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Senior Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade.

Rahane, who famously led an injury-hit Indian side to a historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2020–21 tour, said the time had come for him to move forward.

The 38-year-old represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is after making his international debut in 2013. Although he last played for India during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies, he had continued to express hope of making a comeback.

In a video shared on Instagram, Rahane reflected on his journey and the decision to step away from the international stage.

"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning, and everything has an end. When that time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I always relied on timing in my batting, and I've always understood its importance."

He added:

"Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket, and all formats."

The right-handed batter finished his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In the ODI format, he scored 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, including three centuries and 24 fifties. Rahane also accumulated 375 runs in 20 T20 Internationals.

One of the defining moments of Rahane's career came in 2021 when he stepped in as captain in place of regular skipper Virat Kohli and guided India to a memorable 2-1 Test series triumph in Australia.

Recalling the sacrifices he made to pursue his dream, Rahane said:

"From those early days, travelling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practice, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap." ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane takes a nostalgic trip to his first cricket ground with his family

Rahane also confirmed that, although his international career has ended, he intends to remain closely connected with the sport.

"I lived by one single rule, only support my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty, and I always believe that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you."

He added:

"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."

Striking an emotional note, Rahane acknowledged the highs and lows of his career.

"Ajinkya means unbeatable. But cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed."

Thanking his supporters, he said:

"My team has lost matches. I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated, and that was in your heart. You always treated me like your own."