Cricket fans around the world have witnessed an extraordinary wave of retirements in 2025, as some of the sport’s most admired players bid farewell to formats that defined their careers. From India’s batting mainstays Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Australia’s influential figures Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis, the year has marked the end of several illustrious chapters. Team India’s dependable No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara also stepped away from domestic cricket, further underscoring the transition underway in world cricket.
Rohit Sharma retires from Tests after decorated career
On 7 May 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, attributing the decision to a prolonged dip in form during India’s 2024–25 season. Having already retired from T20Is in 2024, Rohit concluded a Test journey spanning sixty-seven matches, during which he scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties.
Despite the farewell, Rohit reaffirmed his commitment to India’s ODI side, where he continues to serve as a senior pillar during a critical transition phase.
Virat Kohli bids emotional farewell to Test cricket
Just days after Rohit’s announcement, Virat Kohli confirmed on 12 May 2025 that he was retiring from Test cricket — the format he has often described as his greatest love. Kohli disclosed the news via Instagram, prompting an emotional response from the global cricket community.
Kohli’s Test legacy remains one of the finest in modern cricket: 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, averaging 46.85, with 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. His aggressive yet disciplined approach reshaped India’s overseas competitiveness, making his departure from the longest format particularly poignant for fans.
Steve Smith steps away from ODIs after Champions Trophy exit
Australian captain Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket on 5 March 2025, following Australia’s exit from the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals in Dubai.
Smith, who began his international career as a leg-spinner before evolving into a prolific middle-order batsman, leaves behind a record of 5,800 ODI runs across 170 matches, with 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries at an average of 43.28.
He will, however, continue representing Australia in Test and T20I cricket, where his leadership and adaptability remain invaluable.
Mitchell Starc retires from T20Is to focus on Tests
In September 2025, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. The decision, intended to preserve his form and fitness for Test cricket, comes ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Starc confirmed that he remains available for ODI selection, with the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa being his next major objective. His ability to shape the ball at high pace continues to make him a crucial force in longer formats.
Marcus Stoinis ends ODI career after a decade of contribution
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis retired from ODI cricket on 6 February 2025. Over the course of seventy-one matches, Stoinis scored 1,495 runs, including a century and six fifties, while also contributing consistently with the ball.
His powerful hitting in the lower middle order and his utility as a seam-bowling all-rounder made him one of Australia’s most versatile white-ball players through the 2010s and early 2020s.
Cheteshwar Pujara retires from Indian cricket after 13-year Test career
Cheteshwar Pujara, one of India’s most technically steadfast and temperamentally resilient Test batters, retired from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025. Making his debut in 2010, Pujara represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries.
His final Test appearance came during the 2023 World Test Championship final, where his trademark grit once again drew admiration. Pujara’s contribution as the backbone of India’s top order has made him a modern Test cricket icon.