Sachin Tendulkar 'Surprised' by Rahane's Retirement, Admits He Expected Longer Career

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has revealed his surprise at Ajinkya Rahane recent retirement from all forms of international cricket, admitting he thought Rahane 'would play for longer'. Rahane, who announced his decision on July 30, 2026, shared that Tendulkar was the first to contact him, expressing an unexpected sentiment regarding his departure from the game. Rahane, 38, explained that he simply 'didn't want to drag on' his career, prioritizing leaving without regrets. The revelation comes after Rahane's emotional social media announcement, marking the end of a decorated 13-year international career that saw him accumulate 8,414 runs across 195 matches. Known for his calm temperament and vital contributions, especially in Test cricket, Rahane famously led India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia in 2020-21. Other prominent cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Irfan Pathan, also reached out to him following his announcement. While his international journey concludes, Rahane is set to feature for Steve Waugh's Amsterdam Flames in the inaugural season of The Hundred, indicating he's not entirely stepping away from the pitch. His candid insights into his decision-making and the reactions from cricketing stalwarts underscore the personal toll and professional respect that accompanies such a significant career transition, leaving fans reflecting on his understated yet impactful legacy.