Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara paid a tribute to Ajinkya Rahane, who has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, saying it was a privilege to share the dressing room with the Mumbai-based cricketer and build unforgettable memories.
It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you over the years; and building partnerships and memories on and off the field that will always fondly remember. Wishing you and the family the absolute best in this next chapter,” Pujara wrote on X. Congratulations on a career you can be incredibly proud of, Ajinkya! It has been an honour sharing the dressing room with you over the years; and building partnerships and memories on and off the field that will always fondly remember.
Wishing you and the family the absolute… pic.twitter.com/dnRcOta2es — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 30, 2026 Pujara and Rahane were key members of the Test team during the dominant phase, forming crucial partnerships in challenging and hard overseas conditions. They played an important role in India's success in Australia, New Zealand, England and the West Indies, often rescuing the team from tough situations with determination and focus. Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Rahane. “Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88. The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments.
They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team. That same quality defined your finest hour in Australia. You showed that composure isn’t the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless.
Congratulations on a wonderful career! Wishing you and your family all the very best," Tendulkar tweeted. Congratulations on a remarkable career, @ajinkyarahane88.The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team.
That same quality defined your finest hour in Australia.… — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 30, 2026 Rahane was at his best during India's tour of Australia in 2020-21. The visiting team secured a 2-1 win Down Under. After getting dismissed for 36 runs at Adelaide Oval and regular captain Virat Kohli's departure, Rahane led from the front and recorded a comeback win. He scored a hundred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before marshalling his troops to a famous series-clinching win at the Gabba.
In 85 Tests, Rahane accumulated 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46 with 12 hundreds, eight of which were scored outside India. He amassed 2,962 runs in 90 ODIs and also played 20 T20Is. As Test captain, he remained unbeaten, winning four out of six games and drawing the other two. Meanwhile, Shastri also lauded Rahane for his contributions.
“One of India’s most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Well done, Jinks. @ajinkyarahane88," Shastri tweeted. One of India's most committed cricketers who was an integral part of my tenure as coach and gave yeoman service to Mumbai and Indian cricket.
Well done Jinks. @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/I4bG7qtXHH — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 30, 2026 Harbhajan Singh called him a top-quality cricketer. “@ajinkyarahane88 Ajinkya Rahane, a top-quality cricketer with a calm head and immense pride for the game. His greatest legacy will always be leading India to that historic Test series win in Australia, along with countless classy innings.
Congratulations on a wonderful career. Happy retirement, Jinks! Wishing you all the very best for the future," Harbhajan tweeted. @ajinkyarahane88 Ajinkya Rahane, a top-quality cricketer with a calm head and immense pride for the game.
His greatest legacy will always be leading India to that historic Test series win in Australia, along with countless classy innings. Congratulations on a wonderful career.… pic.twitter.com/xUZSDIsq6Y — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 30, 2026 Congratulations on an incredible career, Ajju da. It was an honour sharing the field and dressing room with you. Your calmness, resilience and commitment to the game have inspired so many of us. Wishing you and your family all the very best for this exciting second innings. May… pic.twitter.com/nfoM6yOAo4 — Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) July 30, 2026