Which Indian Cricketers are Expected to Take Retirement?

Rohit Sharma, the ‘Hitman’, and star batter Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket within a week. Rohit retired from the longest format at the age of 38, while Kohli hung up his boots and pads at the age of 36. After the sudden decision of both these heavyweights, the pressure of retirement from Tests has increased on many other experienced Indian players. After winning the T20 World Cup 2024, when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from this format, it was considered a wise decision and a big step towards giving chances to youngsters, considering their ripe age.

Now, the sudden spate of retirements in Test cricket is a bit strange. Kohli retired on 12 May, while Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the same format on 7 May. Rohit's fans did not seem surprised as he was struggling with his personal form, but the others seemed disappointed with the departure of 'King' Virat. Since Gautam Gambhir became the coach, big names have said goodbye to Test cricket. In such a situation, the question arises, who will be next? Let's know about three players who are in the frame to follow the same path.

Ravindra Jadeja Retirement

After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja retirement might not be something new for Indian cricket.. The star Indian all-rounder retired from T20I cricket along with Virat and Rohit after the end of the T20 World Cup 2024. Jadeja has been a regular part of India's Test and ODI teams. But now, he seems to be at the forefront of retiring from Test cricket.

The 36-year-old has played 80 Tests so far, in which he has picked up 323 wickets apart from scoring 3370 runs. At 36, Ravindra Jadeja belongs to the golden generation of Team India, which remained undefeated at home for 12 long years. He has been exceptional in this format over the years and has contributed in all aspects. He has been one of the best Test cricketers of the last decade and a consistent performer for his team. Ravindra Jadeja Retirement date is not yet confirmed, but it could be announced anytime soon.

Mohammed Shami Retirement

Another senior player who can retire from Tests after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is Mohammed Shami. Shami has been assumed to be dropped from the upcoming Test series against England due to his fitness concerns in recent times. There is no doubt that Mohammed Shami is one of the most skilled bowlers in the country. However, there are doubts about how much the 34-year-old can handle the pressure of Test cricket, which has increased the chances of Mohammed Shami Retirement.

The board officials are definitely keeping an eye on that. He played his last Test match in June 2023. Talking about Shami's performance in Test cricket, he has played 64 matches for the country from 2013 and has picked up 229 wickets in 122 innings at an average of 27.71. In Test cricket, he has the feat of taking five wickets in an innings six times and four wickets 12 times, with the best of 6-27. Mohammed Shami retirement date is not yet final but it could appear anytime soon.

Ajinkya Rahane Retirement

Another big thing that could happen in Indian cricket is Ajinkya Rahane retirement. Although he is not on the selection radar, Rahane is undoubtedly one of the best technical batsmen in the country, and the right-handed batsman Rahane is still making a splash in the IPL for KKR. However, he hasn't played international cricket for a long time, which makes his comeback even more difficult given his age.

Rahane last played a Test in 2023, and it will not be surprising if he, who is going to be 37 years old next month, announces his retirement soon. Ajinkya Rahane retirement date is not yet confirmed, but it may be disclosed very soon. There is also no doubt that a glorious chapter in Indian cricket will come to an end when Ajinkya Rahane retires after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The top-order batter has scored 5077 runs in 85 Tests, while he has accumulated 2962 runs in 90 ODIs and 375 runs in 20 T20s. Rahane has scored 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries in Test cricket so far.