Australian cricket star Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket following Australia’s loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal. Despite scoring a solid half-century, Smith’s performance was overshadowed by Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya’s efforts. Social media speculation arose about Smith revealing his retirement to Kohli during their post-match conversation. Acknowledging his decision, Smith expressed that it was time for the team to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup while he continues to focus on Test and T20 formats. Smith, a key player in Australia’s World Cup victories, expressed gratitude for his ODI career.
Steve Smith, the star batter of the Australian cricket team, has announced his retirement from ODI cricket after his team’s defeat against India in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal held in Dubai on Tuesday. Despite scoring a resilient half-century and being the standout performer for his team, Smith’s efforts fell short as Virat Kohli delivered a stellar innings and Hardik Pandya’s late fireworks secured the win for India. Smith made his retirement known to the public on Wednesday, though many social media users speculated that he revealed his decision to Kohli on Tuesday. A video that has gone viral shows the two cricketers engaged in a brief conversation before sharing a hug. Some viewers believe that Kohli inquired if this was Smith’s final match as they shook hands, to which the Aussie cricketer responded affirmatively.
Kohli asked Smith – ‘Last?’.
His face changed when Smith said Yes.Thank you Smithy. Keep playing Tests for as long as you canpic.twitter.com/Rabk9I6adS
— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) March 5, 2025
Smith made the decision to retire from ODI cricket following the four-wicket defeat to India in the Champions Trophy semifinal, but he will continue to compete in Test matches and T20 Internationals.
The 35-year-old, who captained the world champion team due to an injury to Pat Cummins, told his teammates after the match that he would be stepping back from the 50-over format immediately.
Smith reflected on his choice, stating that it felt like the right moment to step aside as Australia starts preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“It has been a fantastic journey, and I have cherished every moment,” Smith commented.
“There have been countless amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups stands out as a significant highlight, alongside the great teammates who have been part of this journey,” he mentioned in a media release from Cricket Australia.
A vital player in Australia’s successful 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup teams, Smith was honored as Australia’s men’s ODI Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2021, earning a spot in the ICC men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.
He took the helm of the ODI captaincy in 2015 and fittingly led the squad for the final time in his last match.
“Now is an excellent opportunity for others to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, making it feel like the right time for me to step aside,” he said.
The veteran, with 170 ODIs under his belt, emphasized that Test cricket remains a priority, and he is eagerly anticipating the World Test Championship Final in June.
“I believe I still have much to offer at that level,” he stated.
“This is a great time for others to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it genuinely feels like the right moment for me to step away,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)
Topics mentioned in this article