Ajinkya Rahane is set to begin a new chapter in his cricket career during India’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The former India captain will make his Test commentary debut when the two teams meet in the first Test of the two-match Test series on Saturday, August 15, at the Galle International Stadium.
Rahane recently announced his retirement from professional cricket. Just weeks later, the veteran batter is ready to take up a new role away from the field.
Ajinkya Rahane joins the commentary panel
Rahane will swap his playing kit for a microphone during the two-Test series. The 38-year-old has joined the Sony Sports Network commentary panel following his retirement from cricket. The broadcaster confirmed his association through a social media post.
Sony Sports wrote: “The magic hasn’t stopped, it’s just found a new home!” The broadcaster also welcomed him with the message: “Welcome aboard Extraaa Innings, Jinks!”
Rahane’s move into commentary comes shortly after he announced his retirement on July 30. After spending more than a decade playing at the highest level, he will now get the opportunity to look at the game from a different perspective. His experience as a batter and former captain could give viewers valuable insight during the Test series.
Rahane leaves behind impressive India career
Rahane finished his international career with a strong record across all three formats.
| Format | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | 85 | 5,077 |
| ODIs | 90 | 2,962 |
| T20Is | 20 | 375 |
His Test career was arguably the most memorable part of his time with India. He scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. Rahane was known for his calm approach and temperament, particularly in Test cricket. He also took on the responsibility of leading India at important moments in his career.
One of Rahane’s biggest moments came during India’s historic Test tour of Australia in 2020-21. India suffered a heavy defeat in the opening Test after being bowled out for just 36 runs in their second innings.
Virat Kohli then left the Australian tour following the birth of his first child, leaving Rahane to take charge of the team. Rahane responded brilliantly. He scored a crucial century in the second Test in Melbourne and helped India level the series. The visitors eventually completed a memorable 2-1 series victory. That comeback remains one of the defining moments of Rahane’s international career.
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A new chapter for Rahane
Rahane’s move into commentary gives him a chance to remain closely connected with the game after retirement.
Having played alongside and against some of the best cricketers in the world, he brings plenty of first-hand experience to the commentary box.
The India vs Sri Lanka Test series will therefore mark more than just another international assignment for Rahane.
It will be the beginning of a new career in cricket.
Fans who watched Rahane represent India for more than a decade will now get to hear his views from the commentary box as he starts his new role with Sony Sports Network.
India last played a Test series in Sri Lanka in 2017 and dominated the hosts. However, the team will face a different challenge this time, especially after some recent struggles against spin. Indian batters have come under scrutiny after their poor performances against spin in recent home series against New Zealand and South Africa. The conditions in Galle are expected to bring spin into the game, making the opening Test an important test for India’s batting unit.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Auqib Nabi, Dhruv Jurel, Gurnoor Brar, Saransh Jain.
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Keshara Nuwantha
