Virat Kohli Calls Ajinkya Rahane 'Favourite Test Batting Partner' After Latter Retires from International Cricket
Indian cricket veteran Ajinkya Rahane, 38, has announced his retirement from all international formats on July 30, 2026, marking the end of a remarkable career featuring 85 Tests and a historic captaincy win in Australia. As tributes pour in from the cricketing world, fans are eagerly anticipating an emotional message from his long-time batting partner.
Former India captain Virat Kohli has led the tributes following Ajinkya Rahane's decision to retire from international cricket, describing the veteran middle-order batter as his favourite Test batting partner. Rahane announced the end of his 13-year international career on Thursday, 30 July 2026, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished tenure defined by key overseas contributions and historic leadership. Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket.
Virat Kohli's Emotional Message For Ajinkya Rahane
A Career of Grit and Unsung Heroics
Born on June 6, 1988, Rahane carved out a reputation as a technically sound batsman, particularly adept in challenging overseas conditions. He represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In Test cricket, Rahane amassed 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His highest Test score of 188 came against New Zealand in Indore in October 2016.
Rahane's captaincy stint during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains a legendary chapter in Indian cricket. Stepping in for Virat Kohli, who returned home on paternity leave after the infamous 36 all-out in Adelaide, Rahane led a heavily depleted Indian side to a remarkable 2-1 series victory in Australia, culminating in the historic Gabba triumph. Under his leadership, India won four and drew two of the six Tests he captained, leaving him with an unbeaten record as Test captain. Ajinkya Rahane Retires: BCCI Extends Gratitude To Former India Captain for Illustrious Career.
The Virat Kohli-Ajinkya Rahane Partnership: A Testament to Test Cricket
Throughout his illustrious Test career, Ajinkya Rahane formed one of India's most dependable and prolific batting partnerships with Virat Kohli. The duo were often the bedrock of India's middle order, particularly in challenging away tours. Their most significant stand came in October 2016, when they stitched together a monumental 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket against New Zealand in Indore – a record for India in that position. Together, Kohli and Rahane accumulated 3,661 runs in 67 Test innings at an impressive average of 56.32, underscoring their synergy and mutual understanding at the crease.
Other prominent current and former teammates, including Cheteshwar Pujara, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, and Mohammad Shami, also shared messages expressing admiration for Rahane’s selfless, team-first approach.
Beyond his individual batting feats, Rahane’s career reached its zenith during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Taking over as stand-in captain after Kohli returned home on paternity leave following a heavy loss in Adelaide, Rahane led an injury-depleted Indian squad to a historic 2–1 series triumph. Ajinkya Rahane Retires: The Architect of India's Historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 Triumph.
Rahane’s century in the second Test at Melbourne set the tone for India's comeback, culminating in a famous victory at the Gabba in Brisbane. In total, Rahane captained India in six Test matches, remaining unbeaten with four victories and two draws.
The Mumbai batter last played for India during the Test tour of the West Indies in July 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, outstanding slip fielding, and selfless leadership.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 06:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
