Mumbai, Jul 30 (PTI) The BCCI on Thursday said Ajinkya Rahane brought assurance to the national side while being calm in moments of pressure, and led by example, as the senior batter announced his retirement from international cricket.
Rahane, who played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is over 12 years since making his debut in 2011, announced his retirement on Thursday saying it was the right time for him to move on.
“Across his international career, Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs. Yet, numbers alone cannot define his contribution. He brought assurance to the Indian team, calm in moments of pressure and led by example through his dedication to the game,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“Over nearly a decade and a half, Rahane became one of India’s
most trusted performers. His calm presence, resilience and ability to deliver in the toughest situations earned him the respect of teammates, opponents and cricket lovers alike.” The BCCI said Rahane was one of the most dependable batters while playing overseas.
“At a time when India established itself as one of the strongest Test teams in the world, Rahane emerged as one of its most dependable batters, particularly in overseas conditions,” the BCCI said.
“Elegant at the crease and technically sound, he possessed the temperament to succeed when the conditions were at their most demanding.” “His centuries at Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston and Durban remain among the defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter, each reflecting his ability to adapt, absorb pressure and rise to the occasion,” it added.
The BCCI said Rahane, as other senior members of the team, was respected for his humility among other qualities.
“As one of the senior members of the dressing room, he was respected for his humility, professionalism and willingness to put the team before himself,” the Board said.
“He led by example and earned the admiration of teammates, opponents and cricket fans through the way he carried himself both on and off the field,” it added.
The BCCI termed India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2020-21, a series in which a heavily depleted team came from behind to win 2-1, as Rahane’s “finest chapter”.
“His finest chapter came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia,” the BCCI said.
“Rahane took over the captaincy at a time when India was facing one of its toughest moments after being shot out for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.” “With the squad navigating the challenges and restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations were firmly against India. He led from the front with a magnificent century at the MCG that levelled the series.” “Under Rahane’s calm leadership, India overcame injuries, inexperience and adversity to secure a memorable series victory, capped by the historic win at The Gabba, where Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record came to an end,” the Board recalled.
Mithun Manhas, BCCI president said Rahane’s career was a fine example of a player putting the team first.
“Ajinkya Rahane’s career is a fine example of what it means to put the team first,” Manhas said.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Ajinkya, you played cricket with the utmost sincerity and integrity, qualities every dressing room values. You let your cricket do the talking and earned the respect of everyone who shared a dressing room with you.” PTI DDV TAP
