Ajinkya Rahane International Retirement: Old Video of 'No Response' from Selectors Claim Goes Viral (WATCH)

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially retired from international cricket, concluding a storied career as one of India's finest Test specialists. His retirement has brought an old interview to light where he claimed selectors gave him no response, sparking emotional tributes and debates among fans about his legacy.

The former India captain and veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially bid adieu to his international career, drawing the curtains down on his storied career that spanned over a decade and left an indelible mark in Indian cricket, especially in Tests.

Rahane’s last international appearance was in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia, where he was India’s highest run-getter with 135 runs. Since then, the veteran batter has been out of the national setup, as the selectors have prioritised young players in the team's transition, despite continuing to grind in domestic cricket.

Having been out of favour with the national selectors for over three years, the 38-year-old officially decided to step away from the international stage, concluding his remarkable journey as one of India’s finest red-ball specialists and a truly dependable leader, whose calm captaincy and memorable performances earned him widespread admiration.

Rahane’s ‘No Response’ From Selectors Goes Viral

As Ajinkya Rahane retired from international cricket after being out of the national setup for over three years, an old video of the veteran batter discussing his communication with the selectors has resurfaced on social media.

Speaking to Sky Sports on the sidelines of the Lord’s Test between England and India in July 2025, the veteran Indian batter revealed that he tried to have conversations with the selectors about his future, but he didn’t receive any response from them, adding that he only focused on playing cricket and enjoying the game.

“Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] as a player I cannot control. I got no response,” Rahane said.

“As a player, all I can do is keep playing cricket, keep enjoying the game, give my best each and every time. I love playing Test cricket, love playing red-ball, it's a passion. The love for the game keeps me going," he added.

🔴 SELECTORS IGNORED ME – RAHANE PAINFUL TRUTH COMES OUT AFTER RETIREMENT 🤯

🎙️: During India's 2025 tour of England, Ajinkya Rahane said, "I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but I got no response. That's something I can't control. All I can do is keep playing… pic.twitter.com/C51UhYLJpV

— Sam (@cricsam02) July 30, 2026

Ajinkya Rahane was more of a Test player than a limited-overs specialist, cementing his legacy as a rock-solid fixture in the middle order and a master of playing under pressure on challenging overseas pitches, especially in Australia, England and South Africa. With over 5,000 runs in Tests, Rahane became one of India’s most dependable batters in the longest format.

Rahane’s Farewell Leaves Fans Emotional

Ajinkya Rahane’s international retirement has left fans emotional, with social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), flooded with heartfelt tributes for the former India captain and veteran batter.

Taking to their X handles, fans remembered Rahane’s calm temperament, leadership qualities and several unforgettable performances for India, while others criticised the BCCI for not giving the veteran batter a more fitting farewell after his years of service. Several users argued that a player of his stature deserved greater recognition.

While some called him the ‘Rahul Dravid of the mid era’ and a ‘saviour overseas’ for his crucial contributions in challenging conditions, others reflected on his unfulfilled potential and felt that his talent was not utilised properly.

BCCI wasn’t you waiting for it? The fact is he had nothing left in todays cricket to give. When the time was there he was dropped. He was not given ample of opportunity, certainly more than Sanju samson. He was the Rahul dravid of mid era and his talent was also mishandled…

— Sunil Gavaskar (@virender_swag) July 30, 2026

"I believe Ajinkya Rahane deserved a more respectful and memorable send-off for his contribution to Indian cricket. Every player should be honored appropriately when they retire. It's a way of recognizing their hard work, dedication, and service to the country."

— sagar moholkar (@sagarcr86) July 30, 2026

280 characters cant justify my emotions. The biggest case of undelivered potential. Absolute clutch on occassions.. that 112 at mcg post adelaide 36 all out. Wow. Always cheering you on ! https://t.co/FkRFHrmyx7

— Rick of the GoD (@Nogoodlovegood) July 30, 2026

Thank u jinx..truly one of a kind in Indian cricket history.. https://t.co/na9XV104Fd

— ROYY (@ROYY718) July 30, 2026

Love love love those memories of him saving matches and making my nation happy and proud.. we love you @ajinkyarahane88 🤗🇮🇳🫡 https://t.co/YutFHhpTgw

— Bharat 🇮🇳 (@Bharat_Marwad) July 30, 2026

Regardless of how he turned out to be at #kkr , massive respect for Ajinkya Rahane for his Test career.

It's difficult being Ajinkya Rahane, people will not remember the 5-10 innings you scored good, they'll always remember the 40-50 innings you failed. 🥀

Thank you, legend. https://t.co/xX7vEiTuJl

— Maddy (@EvilRashford) July 30, 2026

Incredible player 🫡 and incredible journey you have…….. love your class @ajinkyarahane88 bro @BCCI https://t.co/Iyleq3aBsk

— Abhishek Kaushal (@vikthakur_93) July 30, 2026

The person I admire always he started his International career little bit late also finished his career little bit fast. You always a saviour of our overseas. 
Thank you for contribution for country. https://t.co/g0n4J8hXov

— YUVARAJ | யுவராஜ் (@improvingyuva09) July 30, 2026

The most disciplined and elegant batsmen ❤️

— xxxx.v (@vipulxxxx) July 30, 2026

In Test cricket, Ajinkya Rahane has amassed 5077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, at an average of 38.46 in 85 matches. In ODIs, he aggregated 2962 runs, including 3 centuries and 24 fifties, at an average of 35.26 in 90 matches.

Overall in international cricket, the veteran Indian batter has amassed 8414 runs, including 15 centuries and 51 fifties, at an average of 35.95 in 195 matches.