Following the conclusion of a stellar 18-year professional career, former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane is transitioning to the broadcasting booth. The veteran batter will mark his Test commentary debut on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV during India's two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, slated to get underway from August 15.
Ajinkya Rahane to make commentary debut in IND vs SL Test series
With a distinguished international record featuring 85 Test appearances, 5,077 runs, 12 hundreds, and 26 fifties, Rahane brings exceptional credentials to the commentary panel. His extensive background in red-ball cricket will allow him to offer tactical breakdowns and first-hand insights into match dynamics, providing viewers with an elite player's perspective throughout the broadcast. Beyond his personal batting milestones, Rahane’s legacy includes captaining India to a landmark, against-the-odds Test series victory on Australian soil during the 2020–21 season, along with anchoring numerous critical away wins throughout his international tenure.
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Reflecting on his new endeavor in an official statement, the former skipper expressed enthusiasm for stepping into the broadcast booth with Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. He noted that after spending over a decade competing at the highest level of red-ball cricket, analyzing the game from a commentator's vantage point represents a welcome and privilege-filled next chapter.
'Excited to make my Test commentary debut for India's tour of Sri Lanka'
Rahane also stated that he will look to elevate the viewing experience by drawing on his on-field memory bank to dissect subtle game plans, strategic shifts, and match-defining moments. By sharing these technical and psychological insights, he hopes to offer fans a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities that govern Test cricket.
"I'm excited to make my Test commentary debut for India's tour of Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. I'm looking forward to sharing experiences, breaking down the nuances of the game and offering fans insights into the decisions, strategies and moments that can shape a Test match," Rahane said in a press release.
Rahane's captaincy record
As a Test skipper, Rahane maintained an unblemished record, securing four victories and two draws across six matches to hold the top winning percentage among Indian captains with five or more games in charge. His leadership highlights include guiding India to an emotional comeback win in Melbourne and orchestrating the historic 2021 victory at the Gabba—breaching Australia's fortress to seal a 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series triumph. His captaincy resumé also boasts a decisive win against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and a victory over Afghanistan in 2018.
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His consistency extended heavily into franchise cricket, where he ranks as the eighth-highest run-scorer in Indian Premier League history. Over 197 IPL innings, he gathered 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15, striking two centuries and 35 half-centuries with a top score of 105*, while also lifting the championship trophy with Chennai Super Kings in 2023.