Year Ender 2024: Indian cricket stalwarts who officially hung their boots this year
In 2024, Indian cricket celebrated a T20 World Cup win but bid farewell to iconic players who announced their retirements, ending illustrious careers and marking the conclusion of significant eras in the sport¡¯s rich history.
In 2024, Indian cricket fans saw the pure joy of winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. However, they also witnessed a poignant moment as several celebrated cricketers, who had left an indelible mark on the sport, announce their retirements. These players, known for their remarkable achievements, brought the curtains down on their illustrious careers. Here's a closer look at these legendary players and their invaluable contributions to the game:
Ravichandran Ashwin
Off-spinner R Ashwin shocked everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. This decision came after the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane ended in a draw. With a career total of 537 wickets in 106 matches, the spinner concluded his career as the second-highest wicket-taker in India's Test history. In addition to his exceptional bowling prowess, the all-rounder also showcased his batting skills, scoring six Test centuries.
Ashwin, the Match winner ?
¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
Ashwin, the Centurion ?
Ashwin, the Magician with the ball ?
Ashwin, the Team man ?
International cricket will miss them all ??#TeamIndia | #ThankYouAshwin | @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/ThvJ7pwRNT
Shikhar Dhawan
Another star that drew curtains on his international career was the dynamic left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan. The 'Gabbar' announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on August 24, 2024. Dhawan, in the 50-over format, amassed 24 international centuries and was instrumental in India's victories in the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. He holds the record for the fastest century by a debutant in Test cricket, achieved against Australia in 2013.
As I close this chapter of my cricketing journey, I carry with me countless memories and gratitude. Thank you for the love and support! Jai Hind! ?? pic.twitter.com/QKxRH55Lgx
¡ª Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2024
Dinesh Karthik
The charismatic wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik bid farewell to all forms of cricket, announcing his retirement on November 15, 2024. He was a vital member in major tournaments like the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. One of the standout moments of his career was his iconic, match-winning knock in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final.
It's official ?
¡ª DK (@DineshKarthik) June 1, 2024
Thanks
DK ?? pic.twitter.com/NGVnxAJMQ3
Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain and opener Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 Internationals in June 2024. This news came after the historic T20 World Cup victory against South Africa. The 'Hitman' has played 159 T20I matches and amassed 4,231 runs, making him the highest run-scorer in the format at the time of his retirement. While he has stepped away from T20Is, he will continue to be part of the Test and ODI formats.
It's your Captain Rohit Sharma signing off from T20Is after the #T20WorldCup triumph! ?
¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2024
He retires from the T20I cricket on a very special note! ? ?
Thank you, Captain! ?#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/NF0tJB6kO1
Virat Kohli
Former India captain and batting maestro Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals as well, shortly after India's triumphant World Cup campaign. Over an illustrious career, the 'King' played 125 T20Is and amassed 4,188 runs. His remarkable innings of 76 runs in his final T20I match played a crucial role in securing India's victory. The chase-master , while away from T20Is, will continue to represent India in the Test and ODI formats.
Ravindra Jadeja
All-rounder and one of the best fielders, Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 Internationals following the World Cup victory in June 2024. Jadeja made significant contributions with both bat and ball, earning a reputation as one of the team's most dependable players. Having played 74 T20I matches, scoring 457 runs and taking 51 wickets, he proved why he is so lethal. Jadeja too will continue to represent India in the longer formats of the game.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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