Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from international cricket brought the usual wave of tributes. But one stood out for its quiet warmth, a letter from his parents, shared by his wife Radhika. Written originally in Marathi and later translated, the note was posted online and quickly picked up by fans and even the Kolkata Knight Riders. It opens simply with “Dear Ajinkya” and looks back at the boy who first walked onto a cricket field around 2006-07. Twenty years, his parents note, passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

What makes the letter different is what it chooses to remember. There is little mention of centuries or trophies. Instead, his parents write about the person he stayed through it all, someone who took success and failure in his stride without letting either change him. They speak of his simplicity, his honesty, and his steady love for the game.

They also thanked the people who walked the journey with him starting with family, coaches, teammates, and those who worked quietly behind the scenes. The chapter in Indian colours may have closed, but they expressed quiet confidence that the same discipline and work ethic will serve him well in whatever comes next.

Vikrant Massey hails Ajinkya Rahane as Rahul Dravid's true successor

Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey paid an emotional tribute to Ajinkya Rahane following the veteran batter's retirement from international cricket, calling him the "only true heir" to Rahul Dravid. Sharing a heartfelt note on Instagram, Vikrant said Rahane's contribution to Indian cricket goes far beyond numbers and that the sport is richer because he represented the country.

He praised the former India vice-captain for always putting the team ahead of personal milestones, carrying success with humility and facing setbacks with grace. According to Vikrant, Rahane's integrity, selflessness and character made him as inspiring as his cricket, adding that the world would always remain indebted to him for the example he set.

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket, drawing a curtain on a career that saw him feature in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India while also turning out in 212 IPL games for six teams. He made his India debut in 2011 during the tour of England and has 2962 ODI runs as well. He made his Test debut in 2013 and went on to score 5077 runs in 144 innings, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties.