Ajinkya Rahane

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Lore & Background

Rahane made his first-class debut in 2007–08 Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai. He made his international debut in a Twenty20 International against England at Manchester in August 2011 and his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia. His first Test century came at the Basin Reserve, Wellington against New Zealand. Under his captaincy, India won the 2020-21 Border–Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. On 30 July 2026, Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket.

In Their Own Story

The tension at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on February 15, 2014, was palpable as Rahane walked to the crease with India struggling at 156 for five. He faced a mountain of pressure but played with solid intent, eventually scoring his first Test century (118) against New Zealand. Though Brendon McCullum’s triple-century later dominated headlines, ESPNcricinfo noted that Rahane had proven he possessed the 'X-factor' to handle real pressure. Years later, in December 2020, the narrative shifted to Australia. Leading a depleted squad, Rahane guided India to an improbable series win against a dominant Australian side. His innings of 7 and 73 in the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy final helped Mumbai defeat Vidarbha by 169 runs, though his personal form in that tournament was described as poor. On July 30, 2026, Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket, closing a chapter defined by grit and historic achievements.

Reader's Guide

Rahane made his first-class debut, at the age of 19, for Mumbai against Karachi Urban in the Mohammad Nissar Trophy in September 2007. He scored a century on debut. He made his List A debut for Mumbai against Delhi for the Vijay Hazare Trophy in March 2007. He made his Test debut on 22 March 2013 against Australia. He captained Mumbai in the 2018–19 Vijay Hazare Trophy and led India C in the 2018–19 Deodhar Trophy. In the 2023–24 season, he led Mumbai to victory in the Ranji Trophy.

Did You Know?

• Rahane scored 1089 runs in his second Ranji season (2008–09), helping Mumbai win their 38th title.
• He scored a century on his first-class debut for Mumbai against Karachi Urban in September 2007.
• Rahane broke the world record for most catches in a Test match with eight, in the first Test of the 2015 tour of Sri Lanka.
• He became India's 33rd Test captain on 25 March 2017, leading the team in the 4th test against Australia due to an injury to Virat Kohli.