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STUMP VISION AUGUST 07, 2026 | The Indian Eye 44

4 Words That Defined Ajinkya Rahane:

Calm, Class, Courage, Character

Rahane contributed in many ways. He was one of the safest slip fielders in world cricket, holding

the record for eight catches by a non-wicketkeeper in a single Test against Sri Lanka in Galle

ARCHAN MEHTA

hen Ajinkya Madhukar
Rahane shared his fare-
Wwell message titled “Cap
278 Signing Off,” Indian cricket said
goodbye to one of its most depend-
able players. His international ca-
reer lasted 15 years, during which
he played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20
T20Is, scoring 8,414 runs and 15 cen-
turies. But Rahane’s legacy is not just
about numbers. It is about courage,
humility, and always putting the team
first. In an era filled with superstar
personalities, Rahane quietly became
India’s most trusted man in difficult
situations.
Rahane’s journey began in the
small town of Dombivli near Mum-
bai. As a youngster, he travelled long
distances on crowded local trains car-
rying heavy cricket bags, chasing his
dream every single day. Under coach
Pravin Amre, he developed a solid
batting technique and a calm mind-
set that would later help him succeed
on the toughest pitches around the
world. Before making his India de-
but, Rahane had already become
a star in domestic cricket, scoring After being written off in T20 cricket, Rahane enjoyed a remarkable comeback with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023 (File photo)
heavily for Mumbai and helping the
team win another Ranji Trophy title. drawing three. That shows just how home, Rahane took over the captain- istan’s players to join India’s trophy
Those years taught him discipline, important his big innings were to the cy under immense pressure. Injuries celebrations after their first Test
patience and the ability to handle team’s success. ruled out several senior players, but or accepting different batting roles
pressure. Rahane contributed in many he never lost his calm. He led from without complaint, Rahane always
When he finally entered inter- other ways too. He was one of the the front with a brilliant century in placed the team’s success above per-
national cricket, Rahane quickly safest slip fielders in world cricket, Melbourne to level the series, guided sonal achievements.
earned a reputation as one of India’s holding the record for eight catches the team through a fighting draw in As “Cap 278” walks away from
best overseas batters. He loved chal- by a non-wicketkeeper in a single Test Sydney, and then inspired a young, international cricket, he leaves be-
lenges that many others struggled against Sri Lanka in Galle. He also inexperienced side to defeat Austra- hind much more than runs, centuries
with. Whether it was South Africa, showed that good players can rein- lia at the Gabba, ending their 32-year and records. He leaves an example of
England, New Zealand or Australia, vent themselves. After being written unbeaten record at the venue. It re- professionalism, honesty and quiet
Rahane often produced his finest off in T20 cricket, Rahane enjoyed mains one of the greatest overseas leadership. His own farewell words
performances on fast and bouncy a remarkable comeback with Chen- triumphs in Indian cricket history. perhaps describe his career best: “I
pitches. His memorable century at nai Super Kings in IPL 2023. Playing Rahane’s leadership reflected lived by one simple rule: always put
Lord’s in 2014 helped India record its with greater freedom, he scored 326 his personality, calm, humble and my country and my team ahead of
first Test win there in 28 years. Later runs at a strike rate of over 172, prov- confident. He finished his Test cap- myself. I played this game with com-
that year, his superb 147 at the Mel- ing that classical batting could still taincy career unbeaten, winning four plete honesty.” That is exactly how
bourne Cricket Ground confirmed succeed in the modern T20 game. of his six matches while drawing the Ajinkya Rahane will be remembered,
his place among the world’s finest The greatest chapter of Rahane’s other two. not just as a fine cricketer, but as the
middle-order batters. One remark- career came during India’s unforget- Very few Indian captains can quiet warrior who always answered
able statistic sums up his value, India table 2020-21 Test series in Australia. match that record. Off the field, he India’s toughest calls. His career may
never lost a Test match when Rahane After India were bowled out for 36 earned equal respect for his sports- be over, but his legacy will continue
scored a century, winning nine and in Adelaide and Virat Kohli returned manship. Whether inviting Afghan- to inspire generations of cricketers.

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