Ajinkya Rahane Shares Details of Sachin Tendulkar’s Call Following International Retirement
Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has opened up about the emotional moments and conversations that followed his announcement to retire from all formats of international cricket on July 30, 2026. Among the numerous well-wishers, batting icon Sachin Tendulkar was the first to reach out to the seasoned batter.
What Happened
Speaking in an interview with India Today, Rahane disclosed that Tendulkar called him promptly after his retirement announcement. During their exchange, Tendulkar mentioned that he believed Rahane could have continued playing for a longer duration. Rahane explained his choice by stating that he preferred not to prolong his career unnecessarily and felt fully content having given everything to the sport without any regrets.
In addition to Tendulkar’s call, Rahane received a phone call from former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, along with messages from prominent teammates including Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Rahane conveyed the same sentiment of fulfillment to everyone who reached out.
Reflecting on the personal impact of his decision, Rahane admitted to being deeply moved during the process. While discussing retirement with his family was emotional, recording his official farewell video affected him even more profoundly as the reality settled in that he was stepping away from the game he loved.
Key Highlights
- First Call from Tendulkar: Sachin Tendulkar was the first person to call Rahane following the announcement, expressing that he expected him to play longer.
- Support from Teammates: Irfan Pathan reached out via phone, while Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah sent supportive messages.
- International Career Overview: Rahane concluded his international career after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.
- Notable Milestone: He famously captained India to a historic Test series win in Australia, including the victory at the Gabba in January 2021.
- Next Phase: Rahane is set to participate in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League.
Why This Matters
Rahane’s exit marks the conclusion of a significant era in Indian cricket. Over an extensive international journey comprising 195 matches across formats, he served as a key middle-order batsman and a reliable leader, most prominently guiding India to a historic comeback series win in Australia in 2021.
What to Watch Next
Although his international tenure has concluded, Rahane will continue playing competitive cricket in the newly established European T20 Premier League, where he is scheduled to make his appearance in the tournament’s debut season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ajinkya Rahane announce his retirement from international cricket?
Rahane announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on July 30, 2026.
What did Sachin Tendulkar tell Rahane after his announcement?
Tendulkar told Rahane that he thought he would play for longer. Rahane replied that he chose not to drag on his career and retired without any regrets.
What are Ajinkya Rahane’s career international statistics?
Rahane represented India in 85 Test matches, 90 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Where will Rahane play next?
Rahane is set to feature in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League.
Source: Based on reporting from CricTracker and interview statements via India Today.