New Delhi, July 30 — Former India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday hailed Ajinkya Rahane as the “safest pair of hands in the slips” and his favourite Test batting partner while congratulating the veteran on a distinguished career following his retirement from international cricket.

Rahane announced his decision to retire from all formats on Thursday, ending a career that spanned more than a decade. He is best remembered for leading India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory in Australia in 2020-21.

Kohli, who shared many significant moments with Rahane in the Indian dressing room, posted a warm message on social media: “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. Wishing you well always. God bless.”

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also paid tribute, recalling Rahane’s composure and selflessness. “It felt good to share the dressing room with you, Ajju bhai. Calm in every situation, selfless in every role and a leader by example. Thank you for everything you have done for Indian cricket. Wishing you nothing but the best for what’s next,” Pant wrote.

Rahane made his India debut on the 2011 tour of England and went on to play 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals. In Test cricket he scored 5,077 runs across 144 innings, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He also accumulated 2,962 runs in ODIs. His final appearance for India came during the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies.

The high point of his captaincy arrived during the 2020-21 tour of Australia. After India were dismissed for 36 in Adelaide and Kohli returned home for the birth of his child, Rahane assumed leadership of a depleted side. Under his charge India secured a memorable 2-1 series win, highlighted by an eight-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and a historic triumph at the Gabba that breached Australia’s long-standing home fortress and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Kohli’s description of Rahane as both a reliable slip fielder and a preferred batting partner underscores the mutual respect that developed during their years together. Pant’s emphasis on calmness and leading by example further reinforces the quiet authority Rahane brought to the team in demanding situations.

The tributes from two of Indian cricket’s most prominent figures add to the widespread appreciation expressed for Rahane’s contributions as a dependable overseas batter, a composed leader and a consistent team man.