Watch: Ajinkya Rahane nearly cries while announcing cricket retirement

Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats, bringing the curtain down on a legendary career that spanned more than a decade. The veteran batter shared the emotional news through a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, July 30.

The 38-year-old appeared visibly teary-eyed while delivering his farewell message, struggling to hold back his emotions as he reflected on his journey from a young cricketer travelling from Dombivli to practice to representing India at the highest level. Rahane thanked everyone who had been part of his career before signing off as India cap No. 278.

Ajinkya Rahane brings down curtain on legendary cricket career

One of India's finest Test batters of the modern era, Ajinkya Rahane called time on his international career after representing the country across all three formats. Renowned for his calm temperament and ability to deliver in overseas conditions, Rahane played several memorable innings, including leading India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21. trojkonferencja2024.pl

While announcing his retirement, Ajinkya Rahane said the time had come to move on from international cricket.

"The reality of life is that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. When the time comes, you simply have to respect it and move forward. I have always relied on timing in my batting and have always understood its importance.

"Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats. From those early days, travelling from Dombivli as a young boy just to practise, I gave this game everything I had. Every single day, every innings, every opportunity I got to bat, the dream was always to wear the India cap.

"I lived by one simple rule. Always put my country and my team ahead of myself. I played this game with complete honesty and I have always believed that if your intent is right, the game will always take care of you."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane)

"I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated. And that was in your hearts" - Ajinkya Rahane

The Mumbai batter also reflected on the highs and lows of his career, saying that while his chapter as an India cricketer had ended, his journey with the sport would continue through mentoring and helping the next generation.

Ajinkya Rahane thanked the BCCI, Mumbai Cricket Association, his teammates, coaches, IPL franchises, wife Radhika, family, friends and fans for standing by him throughout his cricketing journey.

The emotional farewell reached its peak when Ajinkya Rahane spoke about the unwavering support he received from cricket fans despite difficult phases in his career.

"Since the time I made my debut as a first-class cricketer, Indian cricket has grown tremendously and I feel so proud to have been a part of it over the last 20 years. While my chapter as an Indian cricketer comes to an end, my journey with the game doesn't. I look forward to helping the next generation, sharing the values this sport has taught me and giving back to the game that has given me everything.

"From starting out as a young player in Mumbai to playing for India, it has been an absolute honour. There have been many wins and losses along the way, but the sheer joy of playing cricket, being part of different teams and creating lifelong memories, that has been the greatest satisfaction of my career. To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchisee, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends and everyone who stood by me, thank you.

"And a very special thank you to all the cricket fans who supported me through every highs and lows. Ajinkya means unbeatable, but cricket has shown me defeat many times. As cricketers, we fail more often than we succeed," Ajinkya Rahane added.

"My team has lost matches. I have made mistakes, but there is one place where I was never defeated. And that was in your hearts. Thank you for your love, your faith and your support. Cap number 278, signing off."

Ajinkya Rahane's complete stats as a cricketer

Ajinkya Rahane leaves international cricket with an impressive record across formats. In 85 Test matches, he scored 5,077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries, with a highest score of 188. He also established himself as one of India's safest slip fielders, taking 102 catches in the longest format.

In ODI cricket, Ajinkya Rahane represented India in 90 matches, amassing 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26. His ODI career featured three centuries and 24 fifties, with a highest score of 111, along with 48 catches.

Ajinkya Rahane also played 20 T20 Internationals, scoring 375 runs at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29. He registered one half-century, with 61 being his highest score, while taking 16 catches.

His domestic career was equally remarkable. Across 205 first-class matches, Ajinkya Rahane accumulated 14,209 runs at an average of 44.96, smashing 42 centuries and 59 fifties, with a career-best score of 265 not out. In 192 List A matches, he scored 6,853 runs at an average of 39.84, including 10 hundreds and 49 fifties, while also contributing three wickets with the ball.

Rahane also enjoyed a long and successful T20 career. In 308 T20 matches, he scored 7,968 runs at an average of 30.29, registering two centuries and 56 fifties. In the Indian Premier League, he featured in 212 matches for six franchises, scoring 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60. His IPL record includes two centuries, 35 half-centuries, and a highest score of 105 not out, underlining his longevity in the tournament.

London [UK], July 30 (ANI): Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has emerged as the leading candidate to become England’s new Test coach and is close to being appointed following a week-long interview process, The Telegraph UK reported.

Fleming is understood to be the preferred choice to replace his former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum, who was removed as England’s Test coach following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes.

According to The Telegraph, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is keen to appoint the 53-year-old Fleming, who played 111 Tests for New Zealand. However, it remains unclear whether he will take charge in time for England’s upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley in three weeks.

The ECB is reportedly open to assistant coach Marcus Trescothick taking charge on an interim basis for the Pakistan series, with the new Test coach potentially taking over ahead of England’s tour of South Africa in December.

Fleming is believed to have been preferred over English candidates Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott, as well as former Australia coach Tom Moody. Former England coach Andy Flower was initially considered a favourite but ruled himself out to focus on his franchise commitments, The Telegraph reported.

Fleming has extensive coaching experience with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he won five titles. He also worked with the franchise’s teams in Major League Cricket and South Africa’s SA20.

The former New Zealand captain left CSK earlier this month, shortly after McCullum’s removal as Test coach, paving the way for a potential move to the England setup.

Fleming and McCullum have a long-standing relationship, having played together for New Zealand. McCullum made his Test debut under Fleming’s captaincy and has regarded him as a mentor.

The report added that Fleming’s tactical acumen and man-management skills are among the qualities that have made him the preferred candidate, although he has not coached in red-ball cricket for several years.

England are expected to have former captain Joe Root lead the side against Pakistan, while the long-term captaincy decision could be left to the incoming Test coach. Harry Brook is also considered a potential candidate for the role, The Telegraph reported. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 30 (ANI): Indian athlete Gulveer Singh’s silver medal-winning performance in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 has sparked celebrations among his family and villagers, with his mother and wife expressing pride in his achievement.

Gulveer’s mother, Laxmi, said her son used to run in the fields and has now brought glory to the family and the country.

“Gulveer used to run in the fields; that is how he brought glory to our name… He is doing well and aspires to achieve even more… I am overjoyed; may my son continue to bring glory to our country," Laxmi told ANI.

Gulveer’s wife Babita also expressed happiness over his achievement, saying his silver medal has brought honour to their district and the country.

“My husband ran the race yesterday. He secured second place and brought honor to our district and the country; everyone at home is delighted that he has brought such pride to the nation… There is a very joyful atmosphere in the village, and everyone is thrilled to see this," Babita told ANI.

Athlete Gulveer Singh scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m event at the Commonwealth Games.

The long-distance runner clinched the silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a landmark achievement for Indian athletics and adding another milestone to his growing list of international accomplishments.

The historic silver at CWG 2026 marks the first time an Indian has finished on the podium in the men’s 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games.

Gulveer’s achievement further cements his position among India’s leading distance runners and reflects the steady rise of Indian athletics on the international stage. The Army athlete clocked 27:49.78, staying with the lead pack throughout before producing a blistering final-lap sprint to finish behind Australia’s Ky Robinson. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

ગ્લાસગો ખાતે રમાઈ રહેલી કોમનવેલ્થ ગેમ્સ ૨૦૨૬ માં 29 જુલાઈનો દિવસ ભારત માટે વધુ યાદગાર રહ્યો છે. પેરા એથ્લીટ દિલીપ મહાદુ ગાવિતે પુરુષોની ૧૦૦ મીટર T47 ઈવેન્ટમાં નવો ગેમ્સ રેકોર્ડ બનાવીને ભારતને ગોલ્ડ મેડલ અપાવ્યો છે. બીજી તરફ, સ્ટાર એથ્લીટ મુરલી શ્રીશંકરે પુરુષોની લાંબી કૂદ (Long Jump) માં સતત બીજી વખત કોમનવેલ્થ ગેમ્સમાં સિલ્વર મેડલ જીતીને ઈતિહાસ રચ્યો છે. આ સાથે જ ભારતે કોમનવેલ્થ ગેમ્સ 2026માં કુલ 15 મેડલ પ્રાપ્ત કરી મેડલ પોઈન્ટ ટેબલમાં 8મું સ્થાન પ્રાપ્ત કર્યું છે.

ભારત 15 મેડલ સાથે 8માં સ્થાન પર

દિલીપ મહાદુ ગાવિત અને મુરલી શ્રીશંકરે ઉપરાંત કોમન વેલ્થમાં ભારતીય બોક્સરોએ પણ શાનદાર પ્રદર્શન કર્યું. બોક્સરના સારા પ્રદર્શનના કારણે તેઓએ સેમિફાઇનલમાં પ્રવેશ કરી લીધો છે, જેનાથી ભારત માટે વધુ ૧૦ મેડલ પાકા થઈ ગયા છે. આ નવા સફળ દિવસ બાદ ભારતની કુલ મેડલ સંખ્યા ૧૫ થઈ ગઈ છે. જેમાં ૩ ગોલ્ડ, ૯ સિલ્વર અને ૩ બ્રોન્ઝ મેડલ નો સમાવેશ થાય છે. હાલમાં ભારત મેડલ ટેલીમાં ૮મા સ્થાને છે.

• ભારતના ૩ ગોલ્ડ મેડલ વિજેતા:
• ભારતને અત્યાર સુધી મળેલા ત્રણેય ગોલ્ડ અલગ-અલગ રમતોમાંથી આવ્યા છે:
• મીરાબાઈ ચાનુ – મહિલા ૪૮ કિગ્રા (વેઇટલિફ્ટિંગ)
• શર્મિલા ધનખર – મહિલા શોટ પુટ F57 (પેરા એથ્લેટિક્સ)
• દિલીપ મહાદુ ગાવિત – પુરુષોની ૧૦૦ મીટર T47 (પેરા એથ્લેટિક્સ)

આગામી દિવસોમાં એથ્લેટિક્સ, વેઇટલિફ્ટિંગ અને બોક્સિંગની મેચો બાકી હોવાથી ભારતની મેડલ સંખ્યામાં મોટો ઉછાળો આવવાની પૂરી શક્યતા છે.

કોમન વેલ્થ મેડલ ટેલીમાં ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયા પ્રથમ સ્થાને

મેડલ ટેબલ પર ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયાનો એકચક્રી દબદબો જોવા મળી રહ્યો છે. આ વર્ષ 2026ના કોમનવેલ્થ ગેમ્સમાં ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયા ૪૭ ગોલ્ડ જીતી મેડલ ટેબલમાં ટોચનું સ્થાન પ્રાપ્ત કર્યું. જયારે ગોલ્ડ ઉપરાંત ઓસ્ટ્રિલિયાના ખાતામાં ૨૧ સિલ્વર અને ૩૫ બ્રોન્ઝનો સમાવેશ થાય છે. કુલ ૧૦૩ મેડલ મેળવીને ઓસ્ટ્રેલિયા અનેક દેશોને પાછળ છોડી પ્રથમ સ્થાન પ્રાપ્ત કર્યું છે.

મેડલ ટેબલમાં ટોચના 10માં કોણ

કેનેડા ૧૪ ગોલ્ડ, ૧૧ સિલ્વર અને ૧૪ બ્રોન્ઝ (કુલ ૩૯ મેડલ) સાથે બીજા સ્થાને છે. ઈંગ્લેન્ડ ૧૨ ગોલ્ડ અને કુલ ૫૬ મેડલ સાથે ત્રીજા ક્રમે છે. સ્કોટલેન્ડ (યજમાન): ૯ ગોલ્ડ સહિત ૨૩ મેડલ સાથે ચોથા ક્રમે છે. અન્ય દેશોમાં 5માં સ્થાન પર નાઈજીરીયા ૭ ગોલ્ડ, 2 સિલ્વર, 5 બ્રોન્ઝ, 6 ઠ્ઠા સ્થાન પર દક્ષિણ આફ્રિકા અને 7મા સ્થાન પર મલેશિયા ૭મા ક્રમે છે. ભારત કુલ 15 મેડલની જીત સાથે ૮મા સ્થાને છે, જ્યારે ન્યુઝીલેન્ડ અને જમૈકા પણ ટોપ-૧૦ માં સામેલ છે.