“Put the Team First”: BCCI President Honours Ajinkya Rahane’s Enduring Contribution to Indian Cricket

New Delhi, July 30: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid glowing tribute to Ajinkya Rahane following the veteran batter’s retirement from international cricket, describing him as a player who brought “assurance” to the Indian team, remained calm under pressure and consistently led by example throughout his career.

Rahane, who represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is after making his debut in 2011, announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 12-year career.

In a statement, the BCCI hailed Rahane’s impact beyond statistics, highlighting his composure and selfless approach to the game. “Across his international career, Rahane scored more than 8,000 runs. Yet, numbers alone cannot define his contribution. He brought assurance to the Indian team, calm in moments of pressure and led by example through his dedication to the game,” the BCCI said.

“Over nearly a decade and a half, Rahane became one of India’s most trusted performers. His calm presence, resilience and ability to deliver in the toughest situations earned him the respect of teammates, opponents and cricket lovers alike.”

The Board also lauded Rahane’s remarkable record in overseas conditions, where several of his finest performances came.

“At a time when India established itself as one of the strongest Test teams in the world, Rahane emerged as one of its most dependable batters, particularly in overseas conditions,” the BCCI said. “Elegant at the crease and technically sound, he possessed the temperament to succeed when the conditions were at their most demanding. His centuries at Lord’s, Wellington, Melbourne, Kingston and Durban remain among the defining overseas hundreds by an Indian batter, each reflecting his ability to adapt, absorb pressure and rise to the occasion.”

The governing body further praised Rahane’s humility and professionalism, describing him as a respected figure in the Indian dressing room.

“As one of the senior members of the dressing room, he was respected for his humility, professionalism and willingness to put the team before himself,” the statement read. “He led by example and earned the admiration of teammates, opponents and cricket fans through the way he carried himself both on and off the field.”

The BCCI identified India’s memorable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia as the defining chapter of Rahane’s career, when he captained an injury-hit side to a historic 2-1 series victory after India had been bowled out for 36 in Adelaide.

“His finest chapter came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rahane took over the captaincy at a time when India was facing one of its toughest moments after being shot out for 36 in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide,” the Board said.

“With the squad navigating the challenges and restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations were firmly against India. He led from the front with a magnificent century at the MCG that levelled the series.” “Under Rahane’s calm leadership, India overcame injuries, inexperience and adversity to secure a memorable series victory, capped by the historic win at The Gabba, where Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record came to an end.”

BCCI president Mithun Manhas also hailed Rahane’s commitment to the team, saying, “Ajinkya Rahane’s career is a fine example of what it means to put the team first.”

Board secretary Devajit Saikia echoed the sentiment, adding, “Ajinkya, you played cricket with the utmost sincerity and integrity, qualities every dressing room values. You let your cricket do the talking and earned the respect of everyone who shared a dressing room with you.”