The year 2025 marked a significant turning point in international cricket, with several iconic players bidding farewell to the sport. From India’s batting stalwarts to global superstars, these retirements have left an indelible mark on the game. This article explores the top international cricketers who retired in 2025, their remarkable careers, and their lasting legacies, optimized for readers of www.nriglobe.com.

1. Virat Kohli – India’s Test Cricket Titan

Virat Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain, shocked the cricket world by retiring from Test cricket in May 2025. Known for his aggressive batting and leadership, Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His pivotal role in India’s 2018-19 series win in Australia remains a career highlight. Kohli, who retired from T20Is in 2024 after a match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup final, will continue to play ODIs, leaving fans hopeful for more iconic performances.

2. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman’s Test Exit

Rohit Sharma, another Indian legend, retired from Test cricket in May 2025, just before the England tour. The 38-year-old, who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, played 67 Tests, scoring 4,301 runs with 10 centuries. His recent struggles in Test cricket, averaging just 11 in his last seven matches, prompted his retirement from the format. Rohit, already retired from T20Is, is expected to focus on ODIs until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

3. Nicholas Pooran – West Indies’ T20 Sensation

At just 29, Nicholas Pooran stunned fans by retiring from all international cricket in June 2025. The former West Indies T20I captain holds the record as the team’s most-capped T20I player (106 matches) and highest run-scorer (2,275 runs). With 1,983 runs in 61 ODIs, Pooran’s early exit to focus on franchise cricket reflects the growing trend of players prioritizing T20 leagues. His dynamic batting will continue to entertain in the IPL and Major League Cricket.

4. Steve Smith – Australia’s ODI Farewell

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith retired from ODIs after the 2025 Champions Trophy, concluding a stellar 170-match career with 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, including 12 centuries. A key figure in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories, Smith continues to shine in Tests and T20Is, remaining a cornerstone of Australian cricket.

5. Glenn Maxwell – The Big Show’s ODI Retirement

Glenn Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, retired from ODIs in June 2025 after the Champions Trophy. The 36-year-old played 149 ODIs, scoring 3,990 runs and taking 77 wickets. His unforgettable 201* against Afghanistan in 2023 remains one of ODI cricket’s greatest innings. Maxwell continues to dazzle in T20Is and global T20 leagues, ensuring his flair remains on display.

6. Heinrich Klaasen – South Africa’s Powerhouse

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen retired from all international cricket on June 2, 2025, at age 33. With over 1,000 runs in both ODIs (60 matches) and T20Is (58 matches), Klaasen’s aggressive middle-order batting was a game-changer. He now focuses on family and franchise cricket, including the IPL, where he was retained by SRH for Rs 23 crore.

7. Martin Guptill – New Zealand’s White-Ball Legend

Veteran New Zealand opener Martin Guptill retired from all international formats on January 8, 2025. The only Kiwi to score an ODI double century (237* vs. West Indies in 2015), Guptill played 198 ODIs (7,346 runs) and 122 T20Is (3,531 runs). His retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand’s limited-overs batting.

8. Dimuth Karunaratne – Sri Lanka’s Test Stalwart

Former Sri Lankan Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne retired in 2025 after his 100th Test match. With 7,222 runs in Tests and 1,316 runs in 50 ODIs, Karunaratne was a reliable pillar at the top of Sri Lanka’s batting order. His calm demeanor and consistency will be missed as Sri Lanka transitions to a new generation.

9. Cheteshwar Pujara – India’s Wall 2.0

India’s dependable No. 3, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from all cricket formats in August 2025. Known for his resilient batting, Pujara played over 100 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs with 19 centuries. His ability to anchor innings in tough conditions earned him the nickname “Wall 2.0.” Pujara’s exit leaves a void in India’s Test batting lineup.

10. Piyush Chawla – India’s World Cup Hero

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla retired from all cricket in June 2025. A two-time World Cup winner (2007 T20 and 2011 ODI), Chawla played 35 international matches, taking 43 wickets. His 446 first-class and 319 T20 wickets highlight his domestic and IPL success. Chawla’s retirement closes a chapter for India’s spin-bowling legacy.

Why 2025 Was a Turning Point for Cricket

The retirements of these cricketing giants signal a shift in the sport’s landscape. With players like Pooran and Klaasen prioritizing franchise cricket and veterans like Kohli and Sharma stepping away from Tests, teams are now looking to younger talents to fill the void. These farewells, while emotional, pave the way for new stars to emerge in the ever-evolving world of cricket.

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Keywords: International cricketers retired 2025, Virat Kohli retirement, Rohit Sharma retirement, Nicholas Pooran retirement, Steve Smith ODI retirement, cricket news 2025, NRI Globe cricket updates

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