Virat Kohli paid tribute to Ajinkya Rahane after the former India batter announced his retirement from international cricket, describing him as his "favourite Test batting partner" and "the safest pair of hands in slips.

"In an Instagram post, Kohli shared a picture of himself with Rahane in India's Test whites and praised his long contribution to Indian cricket.

"Jinks, congratulations on a great career, buddy. You've done wonders for Indian cricket, and you can be very proud of your journey. The safest pair of hands in the slips and my favourite Test batting partner. Wishing you well always. God bless," Kohli posted.On Thursday, Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats through an emotional video shared on Instagram, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning nearly two decades.In Tests, Rahane played 85 matches and 144 innings, scoring 5,077 runs, including 12 centuries and 26 fifties, at an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 49.50.In ODIs, he featured in 90 matches and 87 innings, scoring 2,962 runs, with three centuries and 24 fifties, at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63.

In T20Is, he played 20 matches, scoring 375 runs, with no centuries and one fifty, at an average of 20.83 and a strike rate of 113.29.

Rahane also finished with an unbeaten record as India's Test captain. He led the team in six Tests, recording four wins and two draws, giving him the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains who have led the side in at least five matches.His captaincy included the comeback win in Melbourne and India's series-clinching victory at the Gabba during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India defeated Australia 2-1 and ended Australia's long unbeaten run at the venue.Rahane also captained India to a Test victory over Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.