Former India Captain Ajinkya Rahane is moving into broadcasting following the end of his playing career, joining Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV for India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka beginning in Galle on August 15.
The assignment opens a new chapter for the 37-year-old after a professional career spanning nearly 18 years. Rahane brings extensive red-ball experience to the role, having represented India in 85 Tests and led the national side during one of its most notable overseas series victories.
Rahane begins new chapter in broadcasting
In a press release, Rahane said, “I’m excited to make my Test commentary debut for India’s tour of Sri Lanka on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport, and having represented India in the format for so many years, it is a privilege to now look at the game from a different perspective.”
Rahane scored 5,077 Test runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His leadership record featured six Tests as India Captain, producing four victories and two draws.
Rahane added, “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.”
His most prominent period in charge came during India’s 2020–21 tour of Australia. Rahane led the team’s recovery with victory in Melbourne before the historic win at the Gabba secured a 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph. His other Test victories as Captain came against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017 and Afghanistan in 2018.
Rahane stated, “I hope to make the broadcast experience more enriching for fans and give them a deeper understanding of what happens on the field.”
Career stretched across formats and the IPL
Rahane finished his international career with 8,414 runs from 195 matches and 251 innings at an average of 35.95, recording 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries with a highest score of 188.
Alongside his Test record, he scored 2,962 runs in 90 ODIs, including three centuries and 24 half-centuries, while adding 375 runs and one fifty from 20 T20 Internationals.
Rahane also accumulated 5,367 IPL runs across 197 innings at an average of 30.15, with two centuries, 35 half-centuries and a highest score of 105 not out. He was part of Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning squad in 2023 and ranks eighth on the IPL’s all-time run-scoring list.
The Sri Lanka assignment now takes Rahane from a playing career spanning international and franchise cricket into his first Test series as a commentator.
