In 2024, cricket fans experienced a whirlwind of emotions as some of the game’s biggest players announced their retirements. These players, who entertained us with their skill and talent, left behind memories that fans will cherish forever. Let’s take a look at ten of the most notable retirements from this year.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, known as the ‘Hitman,’ enjoyed a heartwarming retirement after helping India win the T20 World Cup. He played spectacularly, scoring 378 runs in the tournament, including a stunning 41-ball 92 against Australia. Fans will remember him lying on the pitch in joy, marking the end of an incredible journey.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s retirement came after a tough T20 World Cup, despite shining in the IPL with 741 runs. He ended his T20I career with a fantastic score of 76 in the final match, securing his legacy as one of India’s greatest T20I players who earned the most runs in T20 World Cups.
David Warner
David Warner, one of Australia’s best openers, retired after the T20 World Cup. With a total of 18,995 runs across all formats, he leaves a mark as one of the greatest players, known for his fearless hitting and charismatic presence on the field.
James Anderson
James Anderson, England’s pace bowling legend, retired during his final Test against the West Indies after taking his 704th wicket. At 42, he was respected for his skill and fitness, finishing with a remarkable career as one of the top wicket-takers in history.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, who often went unnoticed among big stars, retired after a notable ODI career. He scored 6,793 runs in ODIs and was a key player in many tournaments, including the 2013 Champions Trophy where he helped India shine.
Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali, known for his all-round skills, wrapped up his international career quietly after the Ashes series. He played 298 matches for England and contributed significantly with both bat and ball, helping the team secure major victories.
Tim Southee
Tim Southee bid farewell to cricket with an impressive tally of 776 international wickets, making him New Zealand’s top bowler. He was known for his fast bowling and steady batting, contributing greatly to his team’s success.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, admired for his cricketing brain and skills, announced his retirement after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He took 537 wickets in 106 Tests and is regarded as one of the finest spinners in the game.
Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar, a stalwart for South Africa, retired after a strong Test career, scoring over 5,000 runs. His gritty performances provided solid support for his team during challenging times.
Shakib al Hasan
Shakib al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s star players, announced his retirement from Test and T20I cricket after the series against India. He ends his international career with impressive stats and is the country’s leading all-rounder.
These legends will surely be missed, but their contributions to cricket will always be remembered.