Virat Kohli's ‘favourite Test batting partner’ retires as Tendulkar, Pujara and others salute Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on July 30, 2026, with 8,414 runs across formats.

In Test cricket, Rahane scored 5,077 runs in 85 matches with 12 centuries, many in overseas conditions.

Virat Kohli called Rahane 'my favourite Test batting partner' and 'the safest pair of hands in the slips'.

Sachin Tendulkar praised Rahane's composure, saying it showed 'composure isn't the opposite of aggression'.

Rahane's century in Melbourne during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy led India to a 2-1 series win in Australia after the Adelaide 36 all out.