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The cricketing world has seen many legends bid farewell to the game, but only a few have done so mid-series, leaving fans and teammates stunned. India’s ongoing tour of Australia witnessed another such emotional moment as Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest all-rounders, announced his retirement from international cricket.
Here’s a look at three iconic Indian cricketers who retired mid-series, including the latest addition to the list, Ravichandran Ashwin.
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3. Anil Kumble
The legendary spinner and India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, Anil Kumble, announced his retirement during the Australia tour of India in 2008.
Ahead of the third Test at Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in New Delhi, Kumble stunned fans by declaring that he would no longer don the Indian jersey. His decision came after he sustained a severe finger injury, which significantly impacted his performance.
At the time, Kumble was also leading the Indian Test team. Post-retirement, the captaincy baton was passed to MS Dhoni, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket.
In his illustrious career, Kumble played 132 Tests, claiming 619 wickets at an average of 29.65. His grit, determination, and match-winning performances have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
2. MS Dhoni
The charismatic leader MS Dhoni shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket during India’s 2014 tour of Australia. The decision came after the third Test of the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Known for his unflappable demeanor, Dhoni handed over the captaincy reins to Virat Kohli and bid adieu to the longest format of the game.
During his Test career, Dhoni played 90 matches, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09. His contributions as a wicketkeeper-batsman and leader were instrumental in shaping the Indian Test team into a formidable force.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin
The most recent addition to this list is Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement after the third Test of India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Ashwin, one of India’s finest all-rounders, decided to step away from international cricket but confirmed that he would continue playing club cricket. The announcement marked the end of an era for Indian cricket, as Ashwin walked off as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket.
Over his stellar career, Ashwin played 106 Tests, claiming 537 wickets at an impressive average of 24.01. He also showcased his prowess with the bat, scoring 3,503 runs, including 6 centuries, at an average of 25.76.
Ashwin’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver match-winning performances in both home and overseas conditions made him an indispensable part of the Indian team for over a decade. His retirement leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
A Legacy That Endures
These mid-series retirements not only shocked fans but also served as emotional moments in Indian cricket history. While their exits came abruptly, the legacies of Anil Kumble, MS Dhoni, and Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to inspire generations of cricketers and fans.
Indian cricket moves forward, but the contributions of these legends will forever remain etched in the annals of the game.
