The year 2024 brought an emotional rollercoaster for cricket fans as several legends of the game announced their retirement. From iconic batsmen to match-winning bowlers, the sport bid farewell to numerous stalwarts, leaving fans nostalgic and grateful for their remarkable contributions. Here’s a look at the top 10 retirements that left an indelible mark on cricket this year.
- Rohit Sharma: India’s “Hitman” Bids Adieu
Rohit Sharma, one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers, retired after a stellar run in the T20 World Cup. Known for his explosive batting and elegant stroke play, Rohit scored 378 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 160.16, including a stunning century and three half-centuries. His heroic performances helped India clinch their first ICC trophy in 11 years. Rohit ended his T20I career with 4,188 runs, a century, and 38 fifties, solidifying his place as one of India’s finest.
- Virat Kohli: The King of Chases Steps Down
Virat Kohli, renowned for his consistency and match-winning abilities, retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup final. Despite a challenging tournament, Kohli delivered a vintage performance with a match-winning knock of 76 runs in the final. Kohli leaves behind an unparalleled legacy with 4,188 runs in T20Is, including a century and 38 half-centuries.
- David Warner: Australia’s Dynamic Opener Departs
David Warner, Australia’s fearless all-format opener, retired after the T20 World Cup. With a career spanning over a decade, Warner amassed 8,786 Test runs, 6,932 ODI runs, and 3,277 T20I runs, becoming one of Australia’s all-time greats. His explosive batting and match-winning partnerships will be remembered for years to come.
- James Anderson: England’s Legendary Pacer Bows Out
James Anderson, cricket’s ageless warrior, retired after a historic career that saw him claim 704 Test wickets, the most by a pacer in the format’s history. Known for his incredible control and longevity, Anderson’s 991 international wickets across formats make him a true legend of the game.
- Shikhar Dhawan: India’s Underrated ICC Specialist
Shikhar Dhawan, India’s dependable opener in ICC tournaments, called time on his career this year. With over 6,793 ODI runs, including 17 centuries, and memorable performances in the Champions Trophy and World Cup, Dhawan’s contributions were pivotal to India’s success in global tournaments.
- Moeen Ali: England’s Silent Warrior Exits
Moeen Ali, a key figure in England’s rise as a limited-overs powerhouse, retired after the T20 World Cup. An all-rounder who could turn games with both bat and ball, Moeen played 298 matches, scoring 6,678 runs and taking 366 wickets. His role in England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins remains unforgettable.
- Tim Southee: New Zealand’s Bowling Great Calls It Quits
Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers, retired as the country’s highest wicket-taker across formats with 776 scalps. His contributions in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, coupled with his lower-order batting heroics, made him an indispensable part of the Blackcaps for over a decade.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s Spin Maestro Bids Farewell
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most intelligent cricketers of his generation, retired after a storied career. Ashwin’s 537 Test wickets and 3,503 Test runs underline his all-round brilliance. A key player in India’s dominance at home, he leaves as the country’s second-highest wicket-taker across formats.
- Dean Elgar: South Africa’s Gritty Opener Retires
Dean Elgar, known for his resilience and grit, retired after a decade-long career for South Africa. Elgar’s ability to anchor innings and deliver in challenging conditions earned him respect as one of the Proteas’ finest Test openers, finishing with 5,347 Test runs, including 14 centuries.
- Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s Legendary All-Rounder Steps Back
Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, retired from Test and T20I cricket this year. With over 4,600 Test runs, 2,551 T20I runs, and a combined 375 wickets in the formats, Shakib’s contributions to Bangladesh cricket are unparalleled. He will continue to play ODIs, focusing on the ICC Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
The retirements of these cricketing icons mark the end of an era in the sport. Their achievements, passion, and commitment to the game have left a legacy that will inspire future generations. While they leave a void, their memories will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
