From the onset of 2011 until 2023, Indian cricket found amid its ranks a quiet and disciplined practitioner who seemed content at focusing on the basics of the game, of scoring as per the merit of the ball and of giving each inning a certain rhythm and tempo. This humble man, who committed himself to being a student of the sport was perhaps anti the prevailing rhythm of that era: fast and unforgiving to those who didn’t seem to come packaged as entertainers!

As the shorter, more entertaining format of the game continued to grow in size and popularity, this right handed batter continued to uphold the dignity and respect with which he played Test cricket.

While more and more crowds, particularly from the onset of 2015-16 onwards continued to flock to the stadia around the world to experience the T20 juggernaut, this batter continued to practice and get better at the longest format.

He was almost operating against the odds, giving all to cementing the position of Test cricket whilst T20’s grew in size; placing technique over power in an era where muscular hits were driving home major commerce and blockbuster entertainment.

And it could be said that 3 years since last wearing the Indian jersey in the very quiet, distinctly old fashioned and humble manner, Ajinkya Rahane has called time in that very fashion. He’s bid adieu to a glowing career that had long legs, nearly 8,000 runs (incl. Tests and ODIs), along with 15 tons and 50 fifties and patience and perseverance as its cornerstones.

In presiding over a career that began when Indian cricket craved solidity in its post-Dravid and Sachin era, cemented its place under Dhoni’s leadership and continued well at a time where cricket largely became franchise cricket, T20’s often highjacking a quarter of a year from international cricketing calendar, Rahane didn’t change as a man despite the obvious riot of changes around.

He remained essentially a simpleton committed to strengthen Indian cricket. And he reminded fans who often misplace priorities- placing the need to be entertained over values such as discipline- the good old lesson of placing a high price on his wicket.

Perhaps nobody years down the line will remember a great deal about cricketers who didn’t scream for attention, the nice guys of the sport but many must care to remember why Ajinkya Rahane epitomised patience and intelligence, virtues needed to excel at the highest level of the game.

And many, therefore, must pay homage to a statistic that shines proudly against his name in International Test cricket albeit one that runs the risk of being hugely undervalued. From 144 innings of 85 Tests, Rahane faced 10,256 deliveries in red ball cricket always looking hungry for runs and always focused on resurrecting a fledgling Indian inning.

In an era where many are born suddenly at the back of a valiant cameo in IPL cricket, Rahane epitomised consistency and cherished the grind of Test cricket.

In a Test match played against South Africa at Delhi in 2015, he hit 127 and 100 not out versus a side that had names like AB, Faf and Steyn.

At a time where Test cricket is trying ever so desperately to stay relevant as more of our patience is wilting away in this irrepressible search for 20-over-a-side entertainment, Rahane reminded us of the importance of the five day game. He won us mega Test match battles such as that unforgettable game in Australia with there being no Bumrah or Kohli and that too, at the back of the ignominious 36 all out defeat. And what’s more, when it was needed, he found a way to score runs in a format not many considered him to be a natural at; 2962 ODI runs from 87 innings.

He wasn’t a crusader who scored in rampant fashion on some globe conquering display of theatrics; he was a calm headed, ardently disciplined and patient worker with the bat who operated gently taking pleasure from a sense of workmanship on the 22 yards.

Now that he’s called time on his hugely underrated career, a question must be asked- whose loss is it anyway? That of the depraved fan who’s being brought up on the instant 2-min ready to eat diet of whirlwind T20 and even T10 entertainment or that of the cricketer who seems content having given it all for the selfless service of Indian cricket?