Mumbai, July 31 — Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has described Ajinkya Rahane as the only true heir to Rahul Dravid, stating that this alone is sufficient reason for the world to remain indebted to the senior Indian batter.
A day after Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket, Massey posted a tribute on Instagram, writing that “Indian cricket is richer because you wore its colours.”
“Some players leave behind records. Others leave behind a standard. You played for the team before yourself, met triumph with humility and setbacks with quiet dignity, and reminded us that character can be as inspiring as talent,” Massey wrote.
He continued: “You’ve been the only true heir to Rahul Dravid, and that alone is enough for the world to be indebted to you. In an age where visibility is often mistaken for value, you proved that true talent needs no PR campaign.
“Your selfless service, grit and passion for the game will be remembered for generations to come. Indian cricket is richer because you wore its colours. Thank you, Jinks @ajinkyarahane.”
Rahane brought the curtain down on a career that included 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals for India, along with 212 Indian Premier League matches for six franchises. He is best remembered for leading India to a memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory in Australia in 2020-21. His final appearance for the national side came during the 2023 away Test series against the West Indies.
He announced his retirement with a video on social media captioned: “Cap 278 signing off. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. Forever grateful.”
Rahane made his India debut on the 2011 tour of England and accumulated 2,962 runs in ODIs. He debuted in Tests in 2013 and scored 5,077 runs across 144 innings, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Massey’s tribute underscores the widespread appreciation for Rahane’s understated leadership, consistent overseas performances and the values he embodied throughout his international career.