Hours after Australia dropped their Champions Trophy in Dubai semifinal to India, Steve Smith shocked the cricket world. One of today’s best batsmen, Smith declared his retirement from ODI cricket.
Smith retires having scored 5800 runs in 170 ODIs for Australia—the twelfth greatest total by an Australian man in ODI.
It’s time for me to close my ODI chapter. Wearing the canary yellow has been such an honour, and I am super happy to have been a member of two World Cup championship teams. On Instagram, Smith said, “Thank everyone for all their help; it’s been one hell of a ride.”
A clip going around on social media has persuaded viewers that Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli was aware of Steve Smith’s retirement before the Australian made it official.
Kohli asked Smith – 'Last?'.
— Vandana Singh (@VandanaSsingh) March 6, 2025
His face changed when Smith said Yes.
Huge respect for #SteveSmith 👏‼️
That unforgettable inning when he took a brutal hit on the head but still came back to bat, fighting through the pain to lead his team to victory. A true warrior of the game!… pic.twitter.com/vA960iJqvu
Virat Kohli greets Smith in the video and asks if he has played his last ODI, with the Australian responding affirmatively.
Captaining Australia in 64 ODIs, Smith claimed 32 victories, lost 24, and had four draws. Apart from ten centuries and five half-centuries, he collected 28 leg spin bowling wickets.
With renowned Ricky Ponting, Smith’s top run—164—by an Australian captain in 1BIs stands parallel to his.
The 35-year-old played on Australian teams that took first place in the ODI World Cup tournaments in 2015 (Australia) and 2023 (India).
“There have been so many remarkable moments and beautiful memories.” Winning two World Cups was a great highlight together with the many outstanding teammates who walked the road. In a release, Smith said, “Now is a fantastic time for individuals to start readying for the 2027 ODI World Cup so it seems the right time to get out of their way.
Smith will still be around for twenty20s and Tests.
Test cricket is still number one for me, and I’m quite excited about the World Test Championship final, the West Indies in the winter, and then England at home. He added, I believe I still have much to offer on that phase.
