Wasim Jaffer Says Ajinkya Rahane Had the Talent to Score 20+ Test Centuries After Retirement

Ajinkya Rahane‘s retirement marks the end of one of the most respected careers in modern Indian cricket. While his statistics place him among India’s accomplished Test batters, former teammate and India opener Wasim Jaffer believes the elegant right-hander could have achieved even greater heights had consistency matched his immense ability.

Rahane officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on July 30, 2026, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning nearly two decades. Tributes have poured in from former cricketers, teammates and fans, but Jaffer’s assessment stands out because it focuses not just on what Rahane achieved, but on what he was capable of achieving.

Wasim Jaffer: Rahane Had the Ability to Reach Greater Heights

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer reflected on Rahane’s remarkable journey while expressing the belief that the Mumbai batter possessed the skill to produce far bigger numbers in Test cricket.

“Knowing Ajinkya as well as I do, having played so much cricket with him, I always felt he could have achieved even more. He could have easily scored 6,500 or even 7,000 Test runs. In my opinion, he also had the ability to finish with more than 20 Test centuries.”

Rather than criticizing Rahane’s career, Jaffer highlighted the incredibly high standards he believed the batter was capable of reaching. His comments underline the widespread opinion that Rahane’s elegant technique and temperament were suited perfectly to the longest format.

Ajinkya Rahane’s International Career at a Glance

Rahane represented India across all three international formats and played several defining innings in overseas conditions, earning a reputation as one of India’s finest touring batters.

His Legacy in Test Cricket

Although Rahane enjoyed success in every format, Test cricket remained his strongest arena. He became one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters, particularly in overseas conditions where technique and temperament were regularly tested.

Rahane retired as one of only a select group of Indian batters to cross the prestigious 5,000-run mark in Test cricket, a milestone that reflects both longevity and quality.

Why Jaffer Believes Rahane Underachieved

Jaffer’s comments were based on Rahane’s exceptional natural ability rather than his final numbers. Throughout his career, Rahane displayed outstanding technique against pace, remarkable composure under pressure and an ability to perform on difficult overseas pitches.

However, periods of inconsistent form prevented him from converting promising starts into match-defining hundreds as regularly as many expected.

That inconsistency ultimately limited his career tally to 12 Test centuries despite possessing the talent to score significantly more.

A Batter Built for Overseas Conditions

Few Indian batters of Rahane’s generation enjoyed overseas success quite like him. His compact technique, patience outside off stump and willingness to leave deliveries made him one of India’s most reliable performers in countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Many of his finest innings came when India faced challenging conditions, reinforcing his reputation as a player who embraced difficult situations rather than avoiding them.

The Innings That Defined Rahane’s Career

During the discussion, Jaffer highlighted several innings that showcased Rahane’s class and temperament.

• Magnificent century at Lord’s.
• Match-defining hundred at Melbourne after India’s historic Adelaide collapse.
• Twin centuries against South Africa in Delhi.
• Brilliant century alongside Virat Kohli during the 2014 Melbourne Test.

“Those were some exceptional innings.”

Each of these knocks demonstrated Rahane’s ability to absorb pressure and deliver when India needed him most.

The Melbourne Century That Changed History

Among Rahane’s greatest achievements was his century in Melbourne after India had been dismissed for 36 in Adelaide. Taking over the captaincy, he responded with a composed hundred that inspired one of the greatest overseas comebacks in Indian Test history.

That innings remains one of the defining moments of modern Indian cricket because it restored confidence to a side that had suffered one of its darkest days only weeks earlier.

Leadership Beyond Statistics

Rahane captained India in six Test matches, winning four while drawing the remaining two. Remarkably, he never lost a Test as captain.

His calm leadership style contrasted with more expressive captains, but teammates frequently praised his composed decision-making and ability to maintain belief during difficult situations.

Rahul Dravid Comparison

Jaffer also compared Rahane’s professionalism to Indian legend Rahul Dravid.

“He was extremely dedicated and hardworking, very similar to what Rahul Dravid was in his time.”

While their batting styles differed, both players earned admiration for their discipline, humility and commitment to team success over personal milestones.

More Than Just Numbers

Cricket careers are often judged by averages and centuries, but Rahane’s influence extended beyond statistics.

He became one of the dressing room’s most respected figures, mentoring younger players while remaining one of the team’s quiet leaders. Unlike many modern stars, Rahane rarely sought attention away from the field, allowing his performances to speak for themselves.

This understated personality made him one of Indian cricket’s most admired ambassadors.

Could Rahane Have Averaged 45?

Jaffer believes Rahane’s final Test average of 38.46 does not accurately represent his ability.

“I always felt that a Test average of 38 didn’t truly reflect the kind of cricketer he was. He could have averaged 45 or even 50.”

While such projections remain hypothetical, they underline the enormous expectations many former players had for Rahane throughout his career.

Rahane’s Place in Indian Cricket History

Even without reaching the statistical milestones Jaffer envisioned, Rahane leaves behind an outstanding legacy.

• More than 5,000 Test runs.
• One of India’s finest overseas performers.
• An unbeaten Test captain.
• A crucial member of India’s successful Test era.
• A role model admired for humility and professionalism.

His contributions helped India become one of the strongest Test teams in world cricket, particularly during the Virat Kohli era.

What Young Cricketers Can Learn

Rahane’s career offers valuable lessons beyond batting technique. His discipline, resilience, willingness to perform difficult roles and ability to handle pressure made him an example for aspiring cricketers.

Even during challenging phases of his career, he maintained professionalism and continued working to regain his place rather than becoming distracted by criticism.

Conclusion

Ajinkya Rahane retires as one of India’s most respected modern cricketers, leaving behind a career filled with memorable innings, inspirational leadership and unwavering professionalism. While Wasim Jaffer believes the Mumbai batter possessed enough talent to score over 7,000 Test runs and more than 20 centuries, his existing achievements remain extraordinary in their own right.

From unforgettable centuries at Lord’s and Melbourne to leading India during one of its greatest overseas triumphs, Rahane’s legacy extends far beyond numbers. His calm demeanor, commitment to the team and ability to deliver under pressure ensure he will be remembered not only as a dependable middle-order batter but also as one of the defining figures of India’s successful Test generation.