Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey paid a tribute to Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from cricket on Thursday. According to him, the Mumbai-based batter has been the only heir to legendary batter Rahul Dravid, and that is enough to praise him. A day after the right-handed batter bid adieu to all forms of cricket, Vikrant took to social media to laud the player. 

“Indian cricket is richer because you wore its colours. Some players leave behind records. Others leave behind a standard. You played for the team before yourself, met triumph with humility and setbacks with quiet dignity, and reminded us that character can be as inspiring as talent,” Vikrant wrote in the caption.

“You’ve been the only true heir to Rahul Dravid, and that alone is enough for the world to be indebted to you. In an age where visibility is often mistaken for value, you proved that true talent needs no PR campaign. Your selfless service, grit and passion for the game will be remembered for generations to come. Indian cricket is richer because you wore its colours. Thank you, Jinks @ajinkyarahane,” he added.

Rahane revealed the decision on social media, drawing the curtain on a career after representing India in  85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is while also playing 212 IPL matches for six franchises. 

Rahane, who was India’s stand-in captain when the team won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in 2020-21, last played for the national team in the 2023 Test series against the West Indies.

He shared a video to confirm the end of his career with a caption, “Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful.”

Rahane made his debut in 2011 against England and has posted 2962 runs in the fifty-over format as well. His Test debut came in 2013, and the batter went on to amass 5077 runs in 114 innings, with the help of 12 hundreds and 26 half-centuries. He also played 20 T20Is for the Men in Blue. 

He was Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain in the previous two seasons of the Indian Premier League, but the three-time champions failed miserably under his leadership. There was a possibility of the team management and the owners releasing him ahead of IPL 2027. Still, with the player announcing his retirement, the Knight Riders will now look for a new captain before the start of the 20th edition of the tournament.