Sunil Gavaskar believes Ajinkya Rahane never received the recognition his career deserved, praising him as a captain and as a selfless team man after his retirement.
A career ends
Rahane announced his international retirement on July 30, 2026, finishing with 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. The Mumbai batter was one of India’s most dependable players and a respected leader.
In a column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar compared Rahane with Rahul Dravid, saying both captains achieved remarkable success without full credit. Rahane won four of his six Tests as captain and lost none. Gavaskar added that in Indian cricket, individuals are praised after wins while captains and coaches take the blame in defeat.
Rescuing India in Australia
Gavaskar singled out Rahane’s leadership in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India had been bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, and Virat Kohli then went home on paternity leave, leaving Rahane in charge of a side hit by injuries.
He responded with a century in the Melbourne Test, helping India level the series, and went on to lead them to a 2-1 win, finishing with the famous victory at The Gabba, where Australia had not lost for more than three decades. Gavaskar said Rahane, with Ravi Shastri, lifted the team from the depths and steadied what had looked like a sinking ship.
Respected by all
Gavaskar also praised his humility and professionalism, saying Rahane leaves with his head held high and the gratitude of cricket lovers for the selfless way he played. Very few cricketers have no enemies, he wrote, and Rahane belongs in that rare group.
