The retirement of Ajinkya Rahane has sparked a wave of tributes from the biggest names in world cricket, highlighting the respect the batter commanded through his calmness and commitment to the team.

'The Safest Pair of Hands'

Former India captain Virat Kohli shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, describing Rahane as his most trusted ally in the longest format of the game. "Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You've done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner," Kohli posted.

The bond between the two was evidenced by their prolific partnership, sharing 10 century stands and 19 fifty-plus partnerships in Tests, including a massive 365-run stand against New Zealand in Indore.

Tendulkar and Sehwag Hail 'Underrated' Star

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar recalled their early days together playing for Mumbai in domestic cricket, noting Rahane's inherent selflessness. "The first time we batted together for Mumbai, I saw someone who never chased moments. They came to you because you were willing to do the hard yards for the team," Tendulkar wrote. He further added, "You showed that composure isn't the opposite of aggression. It is often what gives a team the confidence to be fearless."

Virender Sehwag also joined the praises, labeling Rahane as "one of the most underrated cricketers" and crediting him for leading India to its most significant overseas Test series victory.

Other notable figures and organizations, including Cheteshwar Pujara, Shikhar Dhawan, the BCCI, and the Mumbai Cricket Association, also paid tribute to Rahane's humility and unwavering commitment to the national side.