A lot of great cricketers decided to hang up their boots in 2024. Some retired from the international stage and will be looking forward to playing in domestic leagues, while some retired from all forms of cricket completely and will now explore other avenues in their lives. This list includes Indian legends like Ravichandran Ashwin and Shikhar Dhawan, as well as English legend James Anderson. This article talks about some of the top players who announced their retirement in 2024.
Goodbye, Professor! #AshwinRetires @fpjindia cartoon. pic.twitter.com/yK4Ee5F9VH
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) December 21, 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most celebrated spin bowlers In history, officially announced his retirement from international cricket on 18th December 2024 after the Gabba test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024. While the player is now 38 years old, and everyone knew that his retirement would come sooner rather than later, it was still shocking when Ashwin made the announcement after the third test against Australia. Immediately after his announcement, heartfelt messages started flowing in from both fans and players alike, with the entirety of India realising that this was the last time they would ever see one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time don the Indian jersey.
Ashwin had a fantastic international career and represented his country across all three formats, but the majority of his international legacy was created thanks to his brilliance in the longest format of the game. The Indian star concluded his Test career having picked up 537 wickets in 106 matches, ranking seventh on the all-time list and second amongst Indian bowlers. As he embarks on a new chapter post-retirement, fans and cricket analysts alike will remember his remarkable journey, which not only solidified his legacy but also inspired the next generation of cricketers. Ashwin’s contribution to cricket will undoubtedly be missed.
Credit: Sky Sports
David Warner announced his retirement from international cricket following Australia’s exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. His final international match for the Australia cricket team was against India on 24th June 2024. The Australian batsman announced his retirement from all international formats of the game via an Instagram post, where he thanked the Australian National Team and fans for their support, saying that playing 100+ games for his country in all three formats was the highlight of his career. The Australian professional cricketer has ridiculous stats in all three formats of the game.
He scored 8,786 runs in 112 Tests, 6,932 runs in 161 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 3,277 runs in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has scored 49 centuries in all formats and is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of his generation. As he takes a step back from the international scene, he will remain a prominent figure in the cricketing community, likely continuing his involvement in leagues like the IPL. Fans, teammates, and cricketing pundits will fondly remember Warner for his fearless spirit and the excitement he brought to the game, solidifying his status as one of the modern greats.
Credit: Hindustan Times
Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on 24th August 2024. This means that the Indian star will no longer be playing not only on the international stage but also in domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League. The left-handed batsman said that he decided to retire due to a lack of motivation to play domestic cricket. He also said he felt at peace with his decision and was grateful to his fans for their support. Dhawan ended his career, having established his legacy as one of the best openers of all time, and will go down as a legend for both the Indian cricket team as well as in the Indian Premier League.
His left-handed batting, characterised by fluency and aggression, established him as a key player in India’s top order. Beyond his feats with the bat, Dhawan was known for his sportsmanship and camaraderie with teammates, often seen uplifting team spirit. As he transitions from the playing stage in his career, his passion for the game will undoubtedly lead him to explore new opportunities, possibly in coaching or commentary. Cricket fans will cherish the memories he created, celebrating his legacy as a player who consistently played with flair, determination, and joy.
In era where pacers announce retirement before turning 35, James Anderson peaked when he turned 35!!
James Anderson's stats improved dramatically in tests as he turned 32 and he kept his bowling form till he retired at 42.
Greatest pacer ever to play🐐pic.twitter.com/Hq1iVUnj3n https://t.co/ASd4FHFGuw
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 23, 2024
James Anderson recently announced his retirement from international cricket, playing his last game for the England cricket team on 10th July 2024 in a Test match against the West Indies. Anderson is widely regarded as one of the best Test bowlers of all time. He picked up 704 wickets in his career in 188 games, ending his Test career as the third-highest wicket-taker of all time and the highest for the England cricket team. His ability to adapt to different conditions made him a unique asset for the England cricket team, and he was often referred to as the ‘master of reverse swing.’
ALSO READ: Top 10 David Warner’s Highest Scores In ODI
Anderson’s performances in crucial matches, particularly on home soil, have been instrumental in England’s cricketing successes. His meticulous approach to the game and commitment to fitness set benchmarks for fast bowlers globally. Off the field, Anderson has been a role model, often sharing insights on bowling techniques and the mental aspect of the game. As he steps away from the international arena, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism that will inspire future generations of cricketers. Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era, yet his influence on the game and the benchmarks he set will endure for years to come.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Dinesh Karthik has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Thank you for the memories DK! 🫡#DineshKarthik #India pic.twitter.com/q33jSnTbu5
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 1, 2024
Dinesh Karthik announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on 1st June 2024. Karthik said he made the decision after a long deliberation and that it wasn’t due to his fitness. He said he was physically prepared to play for another three years and that he had never missed a game due to injury. He said his decision was more about the mental aspect of the game. Karthik just felt that this was the correct time to leave behind the playing aspect of the sport he loves. However, there is no doubt that Indian stars will continue to be associated with the sport in various ways.
His standout performances in T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in different scenarios. Karthik was also pivotal in mentoring younger players, using his experience to guide them in their careers. As he transitions to new ventures, possibly in commentary or coaching, Karthik leaves behind a lasting legacy characterised by his dedication, sportsmanship, and the goodwill he earned from fans and teammates alike. His contributions both behind the stumps and with the bat will be fondly remembered.
Credit: Sky Sports
Moeen Ali announced his retirement from international cricket on 8th September 2024, with his last game for the England cricket team being their semi-final loss to India at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana. Ali said that he still felt he could play but that he understood the team needed to move forward. He also said that he was a role model for his community and that he hoped people remembered him as a free spirit who played some nice shots. There is no doubt that a player of Moeen Ali’s calibre will surely be remembered for many years to come.
His ability to play aggressive innings and take crucial wickets reflected his all-rounder status, making him a valuable asset for the team. Additionally, Moeen’s role as a mentor for younger players and his commitment to promoting inclusivity in cricket stand out. As he shifts focus to limited-overs cricket and other ventures, his influence will undoubtedly persist. Moeen’s retirement serves as a reminder of the joy and flair he brought to the game, and he leaves behind a rich legacy that will inspire aspiring cricketers around the world.
An incredible career comes to a close. Tim Southee's impact on Test cricket and the @BLACKCAPS will be Remembered for generations. Wishing him the best in his Test Retirement @ICC @BLACKCAPS @Bazmccullum pic.twitter.com/cvzETdMp2G
— Ishfaq Parray (@ParrayParray17) December 17, 2024
Tim Southee is one of the most recent players to retire from cricket in 2024. The New Zealand star confirmed on 17th December that he had retired fully from international cricket. Southee said he would “fade out” a happy man after taking two wickets in his 107th and final test. The Kiwi star picked up 385 Test wickets in 104 games for his country and will go down in history as a fantastic Test bowler. Despite his retirement, Southee has confirmed that he will make himself available for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June if New Zealand qualify.
Notably, he played pivotal roles in New Zealand’s remarkable journey to the ICC World Cup final in 2015 and the T20 World Cup final in 2021. His leadership qualities were evident as he captained the T20I side, guiding younger players through their development. As he steps away from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that blends skill, resilience, and loyalty to his country. Southee’s impact on New Zealand cricket will be felt for years, and he is sure to remain actively involved in the sport in other capacities.
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Guransh Machra is a sportswriter at Gutshot Magazine. He covers football news from local leagues like the Indian Super League as well as international leagues like the Premier League. He follows various sports like Football, Cricket, Formula 1, and Tennis. Apart from sports, Guransh is also enthusiastic about reading and gaming.
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