10 Cricket Legends Who Bid Farewell to International Cricket in 2025
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The cricketing world experienced a bittersweet moment in 2025 as ten legendary players, revered for their extraordinary skills and memorable performances, stepped away from international cricket. From stalwarts of India’s batting lineup to dynamic all-rounders and game-changers across continents, their retirements signal the close of a golden era. Each left a unique mark - whether as masterful tacticians, explosive hitters, or reliable finishers - shaping the sport for fans around the globe.
1. Rohit Sharma: India’s Elegant Test Opener Bows Out
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman,” retired from Test cricket in May 2025. The stylish Indian captain amassed several hundreds as an opener, blending flair with consistency. Choosing to focus on limited-overs formats and nurture emerging talent, Rohit’s exit from Tests marked the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket.
2. Virat Kohli: The Aggressive Maestro Quits Test Cricket
Just days after Rohit, Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s finest batsmen, retired from Tests. With over 8,500 runs and 29 centuries in the longest format, Kohli’s fierce determination and leadership led India to historic wins. Prioritising his workload and T20 commitments, his retirement was deeply felt worldwide.
3. Dinesh Karthik: The Finisher Hangs Up His Boots
Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik ended his international career after 15 years. Celebrated for his sharp glove work and clutch finishing, Karthik stepped away to focus on coaching and commentary, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and grit.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s Spin Genius Retires
Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin, with over 500 Test wickets and vital performances across formats, announced his retirement. Ashwin’s decision was driven by a wish to spend more time with family and open the door for fresh spin talent in Indian cricket.
5. Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa’s Dynamic Wicketkeeper-Batsman Departs
Known for aggressive middle-order hitting, Heinrich Klaasen retired from international cricket in June 2025. Faced with stiff competition and eager to pursue T20 leagues globally, Klaasen’s exit leaves a gap in South Africa’s limited-overs setup.
6. Glenn Maxwell: Australia’s Explosive All-Rounder Leaves ODI Cricket
The charismatic Glenn Maxwell stepped down from ODIs in June 2025. Renowned for his explosive batting and useful off-spin, Maxwell played crucial roles in Australia’s ICC successes. His retirement allows him to focus on the growing franchise T20 scene.
7. Marcus Stoinis: The Power-Hitting Aussie Shifts Focus from ODIs
In February 2025, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis retired from ODI cricket. Known for powerful hitting and medium-pace bowling, Stoinis chose to prioritise fitness and T20 commitments, continuing to contribute in the shorter format.
8. Steve Smith: Australia’s Consistent Run-Scorer Quits ODIs
Steve Smith retired from ODIs in March 2025, after amassing over 5,000 runs. Famous for his unorthodox yet effective style, Smith’s decision aimed to preserve his Test career and extend his impact in the longer format.
9. Martin Guptill: New Zealand’s Explosive Opener Retires from All Formats
Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s formidable opener, retired from international cricket in January 2025. Remembered for his powerful starts and record World Cup innings, Guptill stepped back to focus on family and T20 leagues despite waning form.
10. Tamim Iqbal: Bangladesh’s Batting Pillar Ends International Journey
Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s aggressive and dependable opener, retired in 2025 after scoring over 15,000 international runs. His leadership and stroke play defined a generation. Tamim now aims to invest his energies in family and cricket development off the field.
1. Rohit Sharma: India’s Elegant Test Opener Bows Out
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman,” retired from Test cricket in May 2025. The stylish Indian captain amassed several hundreds as an opener, blending flair with consistency. Choosing to focus on limited-overs formats and nurture emerging talent, Rohit’s exit from Tests marked the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket. 2. Virat Kohli: The Aggressive Maestro Quits Test Cricket
Just days after Rohit, Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s finest batsmen, retired from Tests. With over 8,500 runs and 29 centuries in the longest format, Kohli’s fierce determination and leadership led India to historic wins. Prioritising his workload and T20 commitments, his retirement was deeply felt worldwide.3. Dinesh Karthik: The Finisher Hangs Up His Boots
Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik ended his international career after 15 years. Celebrated for his sharp glove work and clutch finishing, Karthik stepped away to focus on coaching and commentary, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and grit. 4. Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s Spin Genius Retires
Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin, with over 500 Test wickets and vital performances across formats, announced his retirement. Ashwin’s decision was driven by a wish to spend more time with family and open the door for fresh spin talent in Indian cricket.5. Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa’s Dynamic Wicketkeeper-Batsman Departs
Known for aggressive middle-order hitting, Heinrich Klaasen retired from international cricket in June 2025. Faced with stiff competition and eager to pursue T20 leagues globally, Klaasen’s exit leaves a gap in South Africa’s limited-overs setup. 6. Glenn Maxwell: Australia’s Explosive All-Rounder Leaves ODI Cricket
The charismatic Glenn Maxwell stepped down from ODIs in June 2025. Renowned for his explosive batting and useful off-spin, Maxwell played crucial roles in Australia’s ICC successes. His retirement allows him to focus on the growing franchise T20 scene. 7. Marcus Stoinis: The Power-Hitting Aussie Shifts Focus from ODIs
In February 2025, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis retired from ODI cricket. Known for powerful hitting and medium-pace bowling, Stoinis chose to prioritise fitness and T20 commitments, continuing to contribute in the shorter format. 8. Steve Smith: Australia’s Consistent Run-Scorer Quits ODIs
Steve Smith retired from ODIs in March 2025, after amassing over 5,000 runs. Famous for his unorthodox yet effective style, Smith’s decision aimed to preserve his Test career and extend his impact in the longer format.9. Martin Guptill: New Zealand’s Explosive Opener Retires from All Formats
Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s formidable opener, retired from international cricket in January 2025. Remembered for his powerful starts and record World Cup innings, Guptill stepped back to focus on family and T20 leagues despite waning form. 10. Tamim Iqbal: Bangladesh’s Batting Pillar Ends International Journey
Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s aggressive and dependable opener, retired in 2025 after scoring over 15,000 international runs. His leadership and stroke play defined a generation. Tamim now aims to invest his energies in family and cricket development off the field. A New Dawn in Cricket
The departure of these ten cricket legends marks a poignant moment for fans and players alike. Their contributions have enriched the game, creating memories that will inspire generations. As they move on, fresh talent awaits to carry the torch forward, ensuring cricket’s enduring spirit shines bright.Next Story