Ajinkya Rahane reveals Sachin Tendulkar’s message after retirement

Ajinkya Rahane revealed the message that he got from Sachin Tendulkar after announcing his retirement from international cricket. Rahane brought the curtain down on his international career on Thursday, July 30, fighting back tears as he announced his decision to step away from the game at the highest level. His journey, which began on Mumbai’s cricketing grounds, eventually took him to some of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket.

The former India captain announced in a video shared on social media, ending a career that spanned 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. Rahane will perhaps be best remembered for his leadership during India’s historic Test series triumph in Australia, a campaign that remains one of the landmark achievements of his career.

After years of representing India across formats, the 37-year-old felt the time had come to draw the line on his international journey.

The 38-year-old spoke to the Indian Express and said that Tendulkar was the first to call him. Rahane said that the Indian legend told him that he would continue playing a bit longer.

Rahane also said that Irfan Pathan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah messaged him. He said he told them all that he was satisfied with everything he had given to the game.

“The first call came from Sachin (Tendulkar) paaji, who said he thought I would play for longer. I told him I didn’t want to drag on because I was retiring without any regrets. Irfan Pathan also called, while Pujara, Virat, Rohit and Bumrah all messaged me. I told everyone the same thing: I was satisfied because I had given everything to the game,” said Rahane.

CRIED A LOT AFTER RECORDING RETIREMENT VIDEO

Rahane’s retirement video was emotional, and the former India batter said that he cried a lot after recording the clip.

“After recording the video, I cried a lot. I was emotional while discussing retirement with my family, but I didn’t expect the recording itself to affect me so much. The reality hit that I would no longer do something I had loved for years. That thought stayed with me throughout the recording,” said Rahane.

Rahane will continue playing as he has decided to join the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL).

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