New Delhi, August 12: Former Indian player and skipper Ajinkya Rahane is set to make his Test debut as a commentator during the India tour of Sri Lanka.
The tour will start on August 15 and is set to continue till August 27, 2026. Rahane recently brought the curtains down on an illustrious career that spanned across 18 years since his first-class debut.
Post his retirement from active cricket, Rahane is set to don a new hat and bring his cricketing experience to the commentary box. A veteran of 85 Tests for India, Rahane amassed 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His deep understanding of red-ball cricket, match situations and the nuances of the game will add a unique dimension to the broadcast, as he breaks down key moments, strategies and contests to give fans a closer look at what goes into shaping a Test match.
Speaking about the newfound role that he is about to step into, Rahane said, "I'm excited to make my Test commentary debut for India's tour of Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport, and having represented India in the format for so many years, I now have the privilege of looking at the game from a different perspective. "
The former Indian player further said that he's looking forward to sharing a wide range of experiences, breaking down the nuances of the game using his vast cricketing experience, and explaining complex topics in simple terms to fans. "I hope to make the broadcast experience more enriching for fans and give them a deeper understanding of what happens on the field," he added.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head, Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India, also praised Rahane and said, "Ajinkya Rahane has always stood out for his composure, resilience and astute reading of the game. As he makes his Test commentary debut on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, viewers will get to hear his perspective on the format he knows so well. We are delighted to have him as part of our commentary panel for India's tour of Sri Lanka. "
Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement
Earlier, Rahane had stunned the entire cricket community with his sudden retirement on July 30 on the sidelines of The Hundred competition while doing commentary. Rahane played his last international match in July 2023 against West Indies. With no hope left to make a comeback in the Indian team, Rahane announced his retirement. But now, Rahane is all set to return to the cricket field.
Subsequently, Rahane signed with Amsterdam Flames in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026, 8 days after announcing his retirement. It will be his first appearance in a franchise league other than the Indian Premier League (IPL). On Friday, Rahane himself made the announcement.
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