As 2024 draws to a close, the cricketing world reflects on a year of triumphs, milestones, and emotional goodbyes. While fans celebrated India’s T20 World Cup win and Kolkata Knight Riders’ third IPL title, the year was also marked by the retirements of several iconic players, signaling the end of an era in the sport.
From Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected farewell to the retirement of legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and James Anderson, 2024 will forever be etched as a bittersweet chapter in cricketing history.
Ravichandran Ashwin: A Maestro Bids Adieu
India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. At 38, Ashwin’s decision came as a surprise, overshadowing many other events during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With 765 international wickets, including 537 in Tests, Ashwin retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only Anil Kumble. Known for his innovative approach and sharp cricketing intellect, Ashwin’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void. Fans, however, can still witness his brilliance in domestic cricket and the IPL.
Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Exit T20Is After T20 World Cup Glory
Moments after India’s thrilling T20 World Cup win over South Africa in Barbados, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is. Kohli, who scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, remains a two-time Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cups (2014 and 2016).
In an emotional twist, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja also declared their T20I retirements during the celebrations. Rohit, with 4,231 runs in 159 matches, and Jadeja, with 54 wickets and 515 runs in 74 games, bid farewell to the format as champions.
Shikhar Dhawan: The End of a Stellar Career
Shikhar Dhawan called time on his international career in August 2024. Known for his elegance and aggression at the top of the order, Dhawan scored 2,315 Test runs, 6,793 ODI runs, and 1,579 T20I runs. His standout performances in ICC tournaments, including the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, remain unforgettable.
Dinesh Karthik: From Wicketkeeper to Finisher
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik retired in May 2024, shortly after the IPL season. Karthik, who represented India in 26 Tests, 94 ODIs, and 60 T20Is, accumulated over 3,000 international runs. Despite rumors of a T20 World Cup return, Karthik chose to move on, leaving behind a legacy of adaptability and resilience.
James Anderson: A Legend’s Final Over
England’s pace icon James Anderson ended his illustrious international career after the Lord’s Test against the West Indies. With 686 Test wickets, Anderson is the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. His retirement marked the conclusion of a remarkable era for English cricket.
Other Notable Retirements in 2024
David Warner: The Australian opener retired after his final Test in Sydney, finishing with 18,995 runs across formats.
Neil Wagner: The New Zealand pacer stepped away from international cricket in February, concluding a career that saw him take 260 Test wickets.
Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir: Pakistan’s Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir announced their retirements in December.
Tim Southee: The New Zealand pacer retired from Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy of 391 wickets in the format.
Moeen Ali: England’s all-rounder retired after a decade-long career, contributing 6,678 runs and 366 wickets.
Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s star all-rounder retired from T20Is, but he remains active in ODIs.
Looking Ahead
As these legends leave the field, the cricketing world celebrates their achievements and contributions to the game. While their absence will be felt, their legacies will inspire the next generation of cricketers. For fans, 2024 will be remembered as a year of change, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
