Ajinkya Rahane retires, joins Amsterdam Flames and reveals Kohli and Dhoni secrets

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on 30 July 2026. In the "Stick to Cricket" podcast he said Virat Kohli never disclosed the mental formulas behind his white‑ball run chases, quoting Kohli’s reply: “It is his mind and the calculation in his mind. But that’s his secret.” Rahane also recalled a rule kept by former skipper MS Dhoni – his hotel room was open to teammates until the door was shut, after which no one could enter.

A week later Rahane signed as the marquee player for the Amsterdam Flames, a franchise in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) that begins on 26 August 2026. Co‑founder and former Australia captain Steve Waugh praised Rahane’s skill, resilience and leadership, saying his experience will help build a winning culture. The signing highlights the league’s aim to boost cricket’s growth in Europe.