From Kohli to Maxwell: Top 7 International cricketers who retired in 2025

The calendar year 2025 will be remembered as a watershed moment in modern cricket, marked by a string of high-profile retirement announcements that stunned fans across the globe.  

From Indian icons to white-ball superstars, the exits highlighted the shifting priorities of elite cricketers in an era dominated by workload management and franchise commitments.

Indian fans were left reeling when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket within days of each other during the IPL 2025 season. 

Rohit, who ended his red-ball journey on May 7, closed an 11-year Test career with 4,301 runs from 67 matches and led India with distinction before handing over the baton to Shubman Gill.

Kohli followed on May 12, bowing out as India’s most successful Test captain and one of the format’s fiercest advocates, finishing with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries.

Australia also witnessed major transitions. Steven Smith retired from ODI cricket in March after a valiant final knock against India in the Champions Trophy semi-final.

A two-time World Cup winner, Smith wrapped up his 50-over career with 5,800 runs and a legacy built on consistency and adaptability. Fellow Australian Glenn Maxwell also stepped away from ODIs, leaving behind unforgettable moments — most notably his heroic unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.

India’s red-ball stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara brought down the curtain on his international career, ending a decade-long run as the team’s dependable No.3. Known for his resilience and match-defining partnerships in overseas Test wins, Pujara exits with over 7,000 Test runs and a reputation as one of India’s finest modern Test specialists.

In the Caribbean, Nicholas Pooran’s retirement at just 29 sent shockwaves through West Indies cricket. Despite being at the peak of his T20 prowess, the explosive left-hander chose to focus on global leagues after becoming his country’s highest T20I run-scorer.

South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen also opted for an early international exit, prioritising family life and franchise cricket. A feared middle-order presence, Klaasen leaves with memorable white-ball performances, including a blistering 174 against Australia.

Together, these retirements signal a generational shift, underlining how international cricket continues to evolve amid growing physical demands and the rise of lucrative T20 leagues.

Top Cricketers Who Retired in 2025: Player, Country and Retirement Date

1. Rohit Sharma

• Country: India
• Format Retired From: Test Cricket
• Retirement Date: May 7, 2025

2. Virat Kohli

• Country: India
• Format Retired From: Test Cricket
• Retirement Date: May 12, 2025

3. Steven Smith

• Country: Australia
• Format Retired From: One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
• Retirement Date: March 5, 2025

4. Cheteshwar Pujara

• Country: India
• Format Retired From: All International Cricket
• Retirement Date: August 24, 2025

5. Nicholas Pooran

• Country: West Indies
• Format Retired From: All International Cricket
• Retirement Date: June 10, 2025

6. Heinrich Klaasen

• Country: South Africa
• Format Retired From: All International Cricket (ODIs & T20Is)
• Retirement Date: June 2, 2025

7. Glenn Maxwell

• Country: Australia
• Format Retired From: One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
• Retirement Date: June 2, 2025