A year of goodbyes: 2024 Cricket Retirements

Deal Elgar (all formats)

Dean Elgar was the opening batsman from South Africa who even led the national team for a brief period of time. He retired from international cricket after the second test match against India in Cape Town in January 2024. He played 86 test matches and 8 ODIs and scored 5,347 runs and 104 runs respectively. His forte was red ball cricket as he scored fourteen 100s and twenty three 50s in that format. 

David Warner (all formats)

David Warner has been the backbone of Australia’s batting line up for a long time. He had a really successful career as he won three World Cups and one World Test Championship title for his country. His individual record was stellar too as he scored 49 centuries and 98 half centuries. He announced his retirement on June 25, 2024, after Australia’s early exit from the 2024 ICC Men’s World Cup.

Heinrich Klaasen (Test)

Klaasen is a natural power hitter and is a very destructive player in the shortest format. We have seen his demeanour in 2024 IPL, when he scored hefty of runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad and that too with an insane strike rate.

On January, 2024 he announced his retirement from Test cricket, but the good thing is that we can still witness his quick fireworks in white ball cricket. 

Dinesh Karthik (all formats)

Karthik enjoyed major success in later part of his career. He represented India in 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, 2017 Champions Trophy, 2010 Asia Cup and 2018 Asia Cup. He didn’t get to play many international matches as the wicket keeper spot was always occupied by MS Dhoni and that sole reason impacted his career trajectory massively. However, he made sure to make most of the chances that came his way. In June 2024, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. But we might see him featuring in SA20 League in 2025!

Virat Kohli (T20I)

The Indian stalwart got a perfect ending to his T20 international career as he announced his retirement from the shortest format after grabbing the 2024 T20 World Cup Trophy. It came as a shock as Indian fans were not ready for the baton to be passed. Presently, King Kohli plays Test cricket and One Day cricket and will also feature in IPL for the next few years. 

Rohit Sharma (T20I)

The Indian captain, like Virat Kohli, finished his T20I career on a high note. He announced his retirement from the shortest format with the shinny silverware of 2024 World Cup in his arms. Now, he is skipper of the Indian team in remaining two formats but post the Melbourne defeat speculations are their that Sharma might even retire from Test cricket as well. 

Ravindra Jadeja (T20I)

The left spinner provides a lot of stability to the Indian dressing room with his all round abilities. After conquering the 2024 title, he too announced his retirement from T20Is along with other two veterans. It is believed that Axar Patel will take the place of senior lefty as he the most ideal candidate for the spot. 

James Anderson (all formats)

For nearly two decades, Jimmy led the England’s bowling department. He was the most successful bowler from his country who possessed extraordinary bowling skills. Inarguably, he was the best pacer of his generation. He played 188 Test matches and 194 ODIs, taking 704 and 269 wickets respectively. He holds the record for most wickets taken by a fast bowler in Test cricket. He played his last Test match on 10 July, 2024 vs West Indies.

Shikhar Dhawan (all formats)

The Gabbar of Indian team, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2024. He played 269 international matches, across all formats, and scored 10,000+ runs. However, despite his consistent performance, he was neglected by the selectors and was conveniently replaced by younger sensation- Shubhman Gill. 

Dawid Malan (all formats)

David Malan played for England in all formats from 2017 till 2024. He announced his retirement from international cricket on August 28, 2024. He didn’t play many international matches, but was a regular player in franchise cricket. He played in Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, Lanka Premier League, Big Bash League, IPL and The Hundred. 

Moeen Ali (all formats)

The vice captain of England’s team in limited overs, Moeen Ali, announced his retirement from international cricket on 8 September, 2024. For a decade, he played international cricket with quite convection. He was even appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2022 for his services to cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan (T20I and Test)

Shakib is regarded the greatest cricketer of his country and is known for his aggressive playing style. He has played 66 Tests, 247 ODIs and 125 T20I matches. He is a true all rounder as his contribution with bat and ball has been impressive. 

The 37 year old has announced his retire from two formats, T20 and Test. Hopefully, we’ll see his final act in 2025 Champions Trophy. 

Matthew Wade (all formats)

Wade’s finest innings came in 2021 T20 World Cup final match. He scored a blistering 17 ball 41 to win a crucial match against Pakistan. He was the star of the night and was the reasons why Australia lifted the 2021 mega event. In 2024, he was another cricketer who decided to hang his boots.

Tim Southee (test cricket)

The bowling partner of Trent Boult- Tim Southee too announced his retirement in 2024 from test cricket. He is a right arm fast bowler and a hard hitting lower order batsman. He has captained New Zealand’s team in all formats and was in squad that lifted the 2019-21 World Test Championship.

Ravichandran Ashwin (all formats)

The spin king of India- Ravichandran Ashwin broke a shocking news to entire cricket fraternity by announcing his retirement from International cricket in the middle of Border Gavaskar Trophy. He was undoubtedly the most prolific spinners of all time. His records speak volumes of his craft. He has taken most wickets for India- 383.