Virat Kohli stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. With 9,230 runs and 30 centuries, Kohli finishes as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. His decision comes ahead of a high-profile five-Test series against England in June and closely follows Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7.
With both Virat and Rohit stepping away from the red-ball format, here’s a look at some of the most unexpected retirements in men’s cricket history.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin retired from all formats after the third Test vs Australia in Brisbane, ending a stellar 14-year career as one of India’s greatest. His retirement came after deep thought, adding he’d walk away once his creativity will lost direction.
Ashwin concluded his career with 537 Test wickets (7th all-time), 37 five-wicket hauls, 8 ten-wicket hauls and 3503 runs along with 6 centuries, cementing his legacy as a true Test all-rounder.
Mitchell Johnson
On November 17, 2015, Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson shocked many by announcing his international retirement during the second Test against New Zealand in Perth, ending a stellar career. He took 313 wickets at 28.40 in 73 Tests.
Greame Swann
England off-spinner Graeme Swann stunned fans by retiring mid-Ashes 2013-14, ending his career with 255 wickets in 60 Tests. His decision came during a dismal tour, with England trailing 3-0 in the Ashes series.
Anil Kumble
India’s top Test wicket-taker, retired during the 2008 Australia series after a finger injury in the Delhi Test.
AB De Villiers
De Villiers’ final international years were a mix of highs and lows. Despite steady performances, doubts over his Test commitment lingered, until he retired on May 23, 2018, via a heartfelt video message. After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn and to be honest, I am tired,” he stated.
MS Dhoni
On December 30, 2014, MS Dhoni surprised everyone by retiring from Test cricket after the Melbourne Test, citing the toll of playing all formats. Dhoni featured in 90 Tests, amassing 4876 runs at 38.09 with six tons and 33 fifties.
Suresh Raina
The southpaw quietly joined close friend MS Dhoni in international retirement, catching many off guard. Raina announced his retirement on Instagram, moments after Dhoni, in what began as a tribute post. “It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey.” He formally announced his retirement the next day, calling it a decision made with “mixed feelings.”
Sourav Ganguly
His fallout with Greg Chappell in 2005-06 marked a turning point, and his career never fully recovered. Ganguly was recalled for the 2008 South Africa Tests but was surprisingly dropped for the CB Series in Australia despite decent form. Two days before the Australia Test, Ganguly announced his retirement, calling it his final series.
VVS Laxman
Laxman revealed he hadn’t planned his retirement until just weeks before announcing it on August 18, 2012. Despite criticism over poor form in 2011, Laxman said it didn’t influence his decision to retire, announced in an emotional press conference.
Brendon McCullum
Former New Zealand Skipper retired from international cricket in 2016 ahead of the Test series vs Australia, ending a stellar career with 432 matches across formats. He said his Test performances against Sri Lanka weighed on his mind and led to his decision to retire from the Black Caps.
Virat Kohli
The former Indian captain called time on his Test career, ending a stellar red-ball journey of over a decade. Kohli bows out with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 51 fifties.
The star batter holds the record for most Test double tons (7) and most centuries as India’s Test captain (20), breaking Gavaskar’s mark of 11.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s sudden Test retirement has stunned Indian fans, leaving the team without its captain and most experienced opener ahead of the crucial five-Test series in England. He ended his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, 12 centuries and a best of 212 vs South Africa.
