Virat Kohli shares heartfelt message for Ajinkya Rahane after latter's Retirement

Indian cricket witnessed the end of the fantastic quartet of the modern Test era as Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Thursday (July 30).

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane - the modern mavericks who upsurged India's Test performance have now called it quits. Although Virat and Rohit continue in ODIs, Rahane's retirement marked the end of India's slip cordon quartet as well.

The 38-year-old shared an emotional Instagram video, captioned "Cap 278 signing off," saying the timing felt right to move on after a distinguished 12-year career.

Rahane featured in 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs with 12 centuries, besides playing 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He last turned out for India in the 2023 West Indies series. His finest hour came as stand-in captain during India's historic 2-1 Test series triumph in Australia in 2020-21, remaining unbeaten in six Tests as skipper (four wins, two draws). In his message, Rahane thanked the BCCI, teammates, family and fans, and expressed his desire to mentor young players and give back to the game that shaped his life.

And after Rahane's retirement, Virat Kohli took to social media and congratulated his former teammate with a heartfelt message.

"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," Kohli wrote on X.

The Indian duo shared many moments together through thick and thin of Indian cricket. And with Rahane's departure, India have lost a steadfast servant who defied the odds and showcased his class on the international stage. Rahane's retirement means he won't be part of the IPL as well next season, as the Kolkata Knight Riders will have to search for a new captain in IPL 2027.