Famous cricketers who announced their retirement this year

The cricketing world witnessed an unprecedented series of goodbyes from its biggest stars. From notable retirements of batting titans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Australian powerhouse batsmen Steve Smith and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, here we list famous cricketers who announced their retirement this year.

Rohit Sharma

On May 7, 2025, Indian opener Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, citing poor form in the 2024-25 home and away series. The announcement follows his retirement from T20Is in 2024. Rohit concludes his Test career with 4,301 runs (12 centuries, 18 fifties) across 67 matches at an average of 40.57. He will continue to represent India in ODIs.

Virat Kohli

Following Rohit’s announcement, Virat Kohli also retired from Test cricket, confirming his decision on Instagram on May 12, 2025. Kohli bid farewell to the format he loved most, finishing his career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. This tally includes 30 centuries and 7 double hundreds.

Steve Smith

Following Australia's loss to India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals in Dubai, captain Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket on March 5, 2025. Smith, who led the team in place of the injured Pat Cummins, transitioned from a leg-spinner to a premier middle-order batsman over his 15-year ODI career. He finishes with 5,800 runs (12 centuries, 35 fifties) at an average of 43.28 across 170 matches. However, Smith will continue playing Test and T20I cricket for Australia.

Mitchell Starc

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc announced on September 2nd that he is retiring from T20 Internationals, placing his focus squarely on Test cricket as his top priority. The announcement comes months before the next T20 World Cup. Starc confirmed his availability for ODI selection, with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa being his next major goal in that format.

Marcus Stoinis

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket on February 6, 2025. Over his 71-match ODI career, which began in 2015, Stoinis amassed 1,495 runs at an average of 26.69, including a century and six half-centuries.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Team India's reliable No. 3 Test batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, retired from all forms of Indian cricket in August 2025. Making his debut in 2010, Pujara played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs (Average 43.60), including 19 centuries. His final appearance was the World Test Championship final in June 2023.