A Year of Goodbyes in Indian Cricket 2024 has been a pivotal year for Indian cricket, marked by the retirement of several players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. This year witnessed the farewell of players across different formats, each with their unique contributions to the game.
Ravichandran Ashwin –
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most cerebral spinners, announced his retirement on December 18, 2024. Debuting in 2010, Ashwin’s career was nothing short of spectacular, with 537 Test wickets to his name, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format. His total of 765 wickets across all formats underlines his dominance and tactical genius. Ashwin’s departure from the international arena leaves a significant void in India’s spin bowling department, inspiring a new generation with his innovative approaches to the game.
Shikhar Dhawan –
Shikhar Dhawan retired on August 24, 2024, concluding a career that began in 2010. Dhawan was known for his aggressive opening style, scoring 24 centuries across international cricket. His performances in the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and the 2015 World Cup were particularly memorable, making him a key player in India’s white-ball success. His retirement marks the end of an era for Indian openers, who will look to fill his shoes in the years to come.
Dinesh Karthik –
November 15, 2024, saw Dinesh Karthik bid adieu to cricket, after a career that started in 2004. Karthik played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy wins. His match-winning knock in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final remains one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His retirement from all forms, including the IPL, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and skill behind the stumps and with the bat.
Dhawal Kulkarni –
Dhawal Kulkarni, retiring on September 5, 2024, was known for his ability to swing the new ball. Since his debut in 2014, Kulkarni was a consistent performer in domestic cricket, often making the transition to the international stage when required. His retirement signifies the end of a career dedicated to mastering the art of swing bowling.
Barinder Sran –
Barinder Sran announced his retirement on August 20, 2024, after starting his international journey in 2016. Sran was part of the 2016 T20 World Cup squad, bringing pace and bounce to India’s bowling attack. His career, though brief, was marked by his potential and moments of brilliance on the field.
Kedar Jadhav –
Kedar Jadhav retired on July 15, 2024, having debuted in 2014. His ability to finish games with both bat and ball made him an essential part of the Indian team, notably during the 2018 Asia Cup and the 2019 World Cup. Jadhav’s retirement is a loss for India’s middle order, where his all-round capabilities were invaluable.
Wriddhiman Saha –
October 10, 2024, was the day Wriddhiman Saha decided to retire, having started his international career in 2010. Known for his sharp glovework, Saha was instrumental in some of India’s historic Test wins. His retirement marks the end of a journey where consistency behind the stumps was his hallmark.
Siddarth Kaul –
Siddarth Kaul retired on June 25, 2024, after making his international debut in 2018. His contributions came during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, where his bowling played a part in securing the title. His retirement reflects the challenges of transitioning from domestic to international cricket.
Saurabh and Manoj Tiwary –
Saurabh Tiwary retired on May 10, 2024, after a debut in 2010, known for his aggressive batting style, particularly remembered for his part in the 2010 Asia Cup win. Manoj Tiwary, on April 5, 2024, concluded his journey which began in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of elegant stroke play, especially in domestic cricket for Bengal.
Varun Aaron –
Varun Aaron, retiring on March 20, 2024, was known for his express pace since his debut in 2011. His part in the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team was one of his career highlights. His retirement is a reminder of the physical toll fast bowling takes on the body.
Ankit Rajpoot –
Ankit Rajpoot announced his retirement on February 15, 2024, after debuting in 2018. His swing bowling was a key factor during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, marking his brief but impactful stint in Indian cricket.
Reflecting on 2024’s Retirements –
The retirements of these players in 2024 are not just about the end of careers but also about the transition of Indian cricket into a new phase. Each player has contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian cricket, leaving behind legacies that will inspire future generations. As these cricketers step away from the field, they leave behind a sport that they helped shape, with their stories of grit, glory, and the game’s undying spirit.
