‘Thank you for some outstanding Australian memories’ - Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan pay heartfelt tribute after Ajinkya Rahane announces retirement

Former India cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan paid heartfelt tributes to Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batter announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket on Thursday, July 30.

Rahane confirmed his decision through a social media post, bringing the curtains down on a distinguished career that spanned over 12 years. The Mumbai batter represented India across all three formats and was widely admired for his calm temperament, elegant strokeplay, and exceptional leadership.

Yuvraj congratulated Rahane on an illustrious career and praised him for making the most of every opportunity while representing the country.

"Congratulations jinks on a remarkable career! One of the finest from this generation to represent the country in all formats and also lead successfully in some of the most prestigious games! You did well at every opportunity and here's wishing you good luck for what comes next! Shakalaka baby ✨," Yuvraj wrote on Instagram.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also acknowledged Rahane's memorable contribution to Indian cricket, particularly his achievements in Australia.

"Congratulations @ajinkyarahane88 on your wonderful career. Thank you for some outstanding Australian memories on the cricketing field. Good luck for the future buddy," Pathan posted on X.

Rahane made his international debut in 2011 and went on to establish himself as one of India's most dependable batters, especially in overseas conditions. Over the course of his career, he featured in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is, scoring 5,077 Test runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. In ODIs, he accumulated 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26 with three hundreds, while he scored 375 runs in T20Is.

One of the defining moments of Rahane's career came during India's historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia. After India were bowled out for just 36 in the Adelaide Test and regular captain Virat Kohli returned home on paternity leave, Rahane took charge of the side and inspired an injury-hit Indian team to a remarkable 2-1 series victory. His composed century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne laid the foundation for one of India's greatest overseas triumphs.

Rahane also enjoyed an impressive record as India's Test captain. He led the team in six Test matches, winning four and drawing the remaining two, finishing his captaincy stint unbeaten.

Known for his humility and grace both on and off the field, Rahane leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for his contributions in India's golden era of Test cricket and his inspiring leadership during one of the team's finest overseas victories.