From Iconic Pacers To Legendary Batters, Here Are Some Heartbreaking Retirements Which Happened In 2024

The retirements in cricket throughout 2024 have been emotional and significant, marking the end of remarkable careers and leaving fans both nostalgic and heartbroken. From legendary openers to all-rounders, spinners to pacers, the cricketing world has witnessed some of the greatest players step away from the game. Here are the 10 biggest retirements in cricket from 2024 that stirred deep emotions across the globe:

1. Rohit Sharma (T20Is)

Rohit Sharma’s decision to retire from T20Is was perhaps the most heartwarming. After leading India to victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Rohit’s swashbuckling performances left an indelible mark on the format. His final matches saw him in top form, scoring 378 runs in the tournament, including a stunning 92 against Australia. The ‘Hitman’ sealed his legacy with a T20 World Cup victory, helping end India’s 11-year ICC title drought. Fans were treated to his final images on the field, lying down in relief on the Barbados pitch after the triumph.

2. Virat Kohli (T20Is)

Following an extraordinary IPL season in 2024, where he amassed 741 runs, including a century, Kohli’s final T20I performance was nothing short of vintage. In his farewell match, he scored 76 runs, leading India to a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final, and was named ‘Player of the Match.’ With over 4,000 runs in T20Is and 15 fifties, Kohli leaves behind a record that will be hard to match, forever remembered as one of the greatest T20I players.

3. David Warner (All formats of international cricket)

Australia’s dynamic opener David Warner retired from all formats of international cricket following a Super Eight exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Warner’s legacy includes over 18,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, including 49 centuries. He is Australia’s second-highest run-scorer across formats, behind only Ricky Ponting, and his aggressive, match-winning style was a cornerstone of Australian cricket for over 15 years. His retirement marked the end of an era in Australian cricket.

4. James Anderson (All formats of international cricket)

England’s pace maestro James Anderson ended his legendary career during the first Test against the West Indies in July 2024. With 704 Test wickets, Anderson became one of the most iconic fast bowlers in cricket history. His remarkable longevity at the top of world cricket, playing at the age of 42, was a testament to his fitness, skill, and consistency. His farewell at Lord’s after 188 Test matches and 401 international appearances was emotional for England fans, marking the end of an era.

5. Shikhar Dhawan (All formats of international cricket and Indian domestic cricket)

Known for his explosive starts in ODIs and iconic partnerships with Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan retired from all formats of international cricket in 2024. With 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs and 2,315 runs in 34 Tests, Dhawan was crucial to India’s success in ICC tournaments. His role in India’s Champions Trophy 2013 win and 2015 World Cup run cemented his status as one of India’s finest openers. His sudden retirement, however, left a gap in India’s top order.

6. Moeen Ali (All formats of international cricket)

Moeen Ali’s quiet exit from international cricket in September 2024 marked the end of a quietly influential career. With 6,678 runs and 366 wickets from 298 international matches, Moeen was a key figure in England’s rise in white-ball cricket. His all-round contributions were instrumental in England’s 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins. Moeen’s retirement, coming shortly after England retained the Ashes, left a significant void in England’s team.

7. Tim Southee (All formats of international cricket)

One of New Zealand’s greatest-ever fast bowlers, Tim Southee retired in 2024 after taking 776 international wickets. Southee was the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand across all formats, including 391 Test wickets, 221 ODI wickets, and 164 T20I wickets. His ability with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset, and his leadership in New Zealand’s World Test Championship victory in 2021 was the pinnacle of his career. His departure marked the end of an era in Kiwi bowling.

8. Ravichandran Ashwin (All formats of international cricket)

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spinners, announced his retirement in 2024 after an exceptional 12-year career. With 537 Test wickets and over 3,500 runs, Ashwin’s cricketing acumen earned him a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in the sport. His contributions in the 2013 Champions Trophy and 2011 World Cup victories, along with his unparalleled home dominance, left a lasting impact on Indian cricket. Ashwin’s retirement, following a defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was a bittersweet moment for fans.

9. Dean Elgar (All formats of international cricket)

South Africa’s gritty opening batsman, Dean Elgar, bid farewell to international cricket in 2024 after a solid career that spanned more than a decade. Elgar scored 5,347 runs in Tests, including 14 centuries, and was known for his resilience and defensive prowess. Although not a household name like some of South Africa’s other stars, Elgar’s contributions, particularly in the post-Graeme Smith era, were invaluable. His retirement marked the closing of an era for the Proteas’ opening batters.

10. Shakib Al Hasan (Tests and T20Is)

Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan retired from Test and T20I cricket in 2024, but will continue to feature in ODIs. In a career that has seen him lead Bangladesh to several historic wins, Shakib’s all-round brilliance was pivotal to the team’s success. With 4,609 runs and 246 wickets in Tests, and 2,551 runs and 149 wickets in T20Is, Shakib leaves behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished all-rounders in cricket history. His retirement was a significant loss for Bangladesh’s red-ball and T20 cricket, though he will still feature in ODIs as the team looks ahead to major tournaments.

These retirements not only highlight the end of careers but also mark the closure of chapters in the lives of players who shaped the modern era of cricket. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations, and while the emotional farewells have left a void, their contributions to the game will never be forgotten.