Ravichandran Ashwin made a sudden and unexpected announcement on December 18, 2024, retiring from international cricket in the midst of an ongoing series. This decision marked the end of one of the most illustrious Test careers in the history of the sport.
Ashwin’s decision followed a challenging series against New Zealand, where he averaged 41 with the ball during a 0-3 home whitewash. He was also part of the lost Adelaide Test, events that seemingly influenced his choice to step away from the international stage. In his retirement speech, Ashwin reflected on the shifting dynamics of Indian cricket, remarking, “We’re the last bunch of OGs.” His statement alluded to a wave of imminent retirements among senior players he had played alongside over the past decade, many of whom remain unofficially retired while no longer featuring in the Test side.
These six players are expected to retire from test cricket in 2025:
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
Regarded as one of India’s finest No. 3 batters, Cheteshwar Pujara played his last Test for India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final against Australia in June 2023.
After being dropped from the team in 2022, Pujara made a comeback but failed to cement his spot. Following the WTC final loss, he was axed, with Shubman Gill now firmly established at No. 3.
Pujara amassed 7,195 runs in 103 Tests at an average of 43, including 19 centuries. He was instrumental in India’s back-to-back Test series victories in Australia.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane last represented India in Test cricket during the July 2023 tour of the West Indies. Similar to Pujara, Rahane was dropped in 2022 but returned for the WTC 2021-23 final, where he top-scored for India in both innings. However, after one more series, he was dropped again.
In his 85-Test career, Rahane scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38, including 12 centuries. He is best remembered for leading India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) victory in Australia in 2020-21.
3. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma, the only Indian pacer to play 100 Test matches, last featured for India in November 2021. Making his debut in 2007, Ishant’s career saw ups and downs due to form and fitness, but he thrived in his later years.
The veteran pacer ended his career with 311 wickets in 105 Tests, including 11 five-wicket hauls. Alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Ishant formed a formidable pace trio that powered India to their maiden Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.
4. Umesh Yadav
Often underrated, Umesh Yadav was a reliable bowler for India, especially in home conditions. Umesh took 101 wickets in India at an impressive average of 25.88, the best among Indian pacers with over 100 wickets on home soil.
Overall, Umesh claimed 170 wickets in 57 Tests after debuting in 2011. His last Test was the ICC WTC 2021-23 final, after which he was replaced by Mukesh Kumar.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
However, injuries plagued Bhuvneshwar’s Test career, limiting his opportunities. While he continues to play domestic cricket, a return to the Indian Test side seems unlikely with the emergence of younger, fitter fast bowlers.
6. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, who has already retired from T20Is, could soon step away from Test cricket as well. His recent form has been concerning, averaging just 11 in his last seven Tests, with only one half-century in his last 13 innings.
With Rohit turning 38 in April 2025, India might consider moving on from him in the next WTC cycle, starting with the England tour in June 2025. Whether he retires voluntarily or is replaced by selectors, Rohit’s Test career appears to be nearing its end.