Ajinkya Rahane begins life as commentator, joins Sri Lanka vs India Test series panel
Ajinkya Rahane is all set to begin a new chapter in his cricketing journey, moving from the middle to the commentary box after retiring from all forms of cricket. The former India captain will make his Test commentary debut on Sony Sports Network during India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning August 15.
Sony Sports welcomed Rahane to its commentary panel with a post on social media, writing, “The magic hasn’t stopped, it’s just found a new home!” The broadcaster added, “Welcome aboard Extraaa Innings, Jinks!”
Rahane’s first assignment as a Test commentator comes shortly after he announced his retirement on July 30. The 38-year-old brought the curtain down on a career that included 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India. In Tests, he scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries.
RAHANE TAKES HIS EXPERIENCE TO EUROPEAN T20 PREMIER LEAGUE
Retirement from professional cricket, however, will not mean a complete break from the game for Rahane. He has also signed for Amsterdam Flames as their marquee player for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which begins on August 26 and runs until September 20.
Rahane’s international career was defined by his composure in Test cricket, and several important performances under pressure. His most memorable leadership achievement came during India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, when he captained the side to a 2-1 series victory after India were bowled out for 36 in the first Test. He scored a century in the Melbourne Test as India bounced back from the setback.
Rahane last played a Test for India in July 2023 and had not featured in the national team’s white-ball sides since 2018. He announced his retirement after deciding that the time was right to move on from international cricket and all forms of the game.
Rahane also represented six different teams in the Indian Premier League, with Kolkata Knight Riders being his last franchise. Now, with his playing career behind him, he will bring the experience of more than a decade at the international level to his new role in the commentary box.
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