A journey etched in class: Thank you Ajinkya Rahane

A journey etched in class: Thank you Ajinkya Rahane

By Mumbai Indians

Every generation is fortunate to witness a cricketer who reminds us that greatness lies far beyond the cricket field. Ajinkya Rahane is the perfect example of that. In an emotional post on social media today, he announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. He signs off having featured in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India.   

Ajinkya always commanded admiration as his bat spoke louder than words. As a captain, he led from the front showing how it is done. He carried Indian cricket with grace, dignity and unwavering composure. In the video he said, “The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, we simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and I have always understood its importance. Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.” With the curtains coming down on a brilliant career, his remarkable journey has surely inspired generations of young cricketers.

With a dream in his heart to play cricket at the biggest stage, and having risen from the maidans of Mumbai cricket, Rahane stepped into the Mumbai Indians dressing room as a 19-year-old in 2008 wearing the Blue and Gold with pride. Having spent the next two seasons with MI, he was fortunate to share the dressing room which was filled with legends. Soaking in every lesson and taking his first steps onto the biggest stage was indeed the beginning of a career that would be defined by resilience, humility and class.

He added, “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. I lived by one simple rule, to always put my country and team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you.”

Test cricket truly showcased Ajinkya Rahane’s talent in the most brilliant way possible. His elegant drives, soft hands and impeccable balance became a pleasure to watch while he batted in challenging overseas conditions. Then came the series that defined him as the most dependable batter and great leader India demanded, the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-2021…  where the team bounced back from a difficult situation. His vital century at MCG is also widely remembered today. He later captained India to a historic three wicket win at the Gabba on 19th January 2021 breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue and clinching the series 2-1.

His 12 remarkable Test tons have been versus England, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and West Indies. While in white ball cricket, he featured in three World Cups, the T20 World Cups in 2014, 2016 and the 2015 ODI World Cup. He now looks forward to sharing his experience with gen-next. Ajinkya expressed, “I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything. From starting out as a young player in Mumbai, to playing for India has been an absolute honour. There have been wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams and creating lifelong memories has been the greatest satisfaction of my career.”

His fans have stood by him through all his ups and downs, “A very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every high and low. Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. But there is one place I was never defeated and that was in your hearts. Tumhe Mala Kadhi Parka Maanla Nahi. Thank you for your love, faith and support. Cap number 278, signing off.”

This chapter may have ended, but your legacy will continue to inspire so many future generations who dare to dream the Mumbai way.