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New Delhi: Star India batterVirat Kohli has lauded his former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, July 30. Rahane rose through Mumbai’s tough competitive cricket circuit and became one of India’s most dependable batters in overseas conditions. The veteran batter confirmed his retirement in an emotional video shared on social media.

Rahane played 85 Test matches, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He will be remembered not just for his elegant batting but also for leading India to a historic Test series triumph in Australia, a milestone that cemented his place in the country’s cricketing history. He scored 5077 runs in Tests, including several memorable knocks at home and overseas to help India dominate in the longest format. Rahane amassed 2962 runs in ODIs and scored 375 runs in T20Is.

Kohli penned a heartfelt note for Rahane on X, calling the Mumbai batter his favourite Test batting partner. He further wrote that Rahane had done wonders for Indian cricket and can be proud of his international career.

“Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless,” said Kohli on X.

Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You’ve done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless. 🤝🇮🇳@ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/bHGaas41gO

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 30, 2026

Kohli has forged several memorable partnerships with Rahane in the longest format of the game. In 67 Tests, the duo has scored 3661 runs at an average of 56.32. They have stitched 10 hundred and 17 fifty-run partnerships, with a highest partnership of 365 runs.

Rahane also served as Kohli’s deputy and led the team in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when the star batter had to return home right after the first Test. Rahane also signed off with zero defeats to his name as India’s Test captain, a rare record.