India star Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to his former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane after the Mumbai batter announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 30.
Rahane brought the curtain down on an international career spanning more than a decade, ending a journey that saw him rise through Mumbai's fiercely competitive cricketing system to become one of India's most reliable performers in overseas conditions. He announced his decision in an emotional video shared on social media.
Rahane retires after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. Along with his elegant batting, he will be remembered for leading India to a historic Test series victory in Australia, a triumph that secured his place among the country's most respected cricketers. Announcing his retirement, Rahane said he felt it was the right time to step away from international cricket.
Kohli shared an emotional message on X, describing Rahane as his favourite Test batting partner and praising his immense contribution to Indian cricket.
"Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You've done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless," Kohli wrote on X.
Kohli's tribute reflects the remarkable partnership the two built in Test cricket. Across 67 Tests together, the pair amassed 3,661 runs at an average of 56.32. They shared 10 century partnerships and 17 fifty-run stands, with their highest partnership being 365 runs.
Rahane also served as Kohli's deputy in the Test side and famously took over the captaincy during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Kohli returned home following the opening Test. He ends his tenure as India's Test captain without suffering a single defeat, a rare achievement in Indian cricket.
