Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket.
Delhi – One of Australia’s all-time cricketing greats Steve Smith has stunned the sports world today by announcing his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket in the aftermath of Australia’s exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old announced the decision after his side lost to India by four wickets in the semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Even though Smith was Australia’s leading scorer with 73, he felt it was time to cross off 50-over cricket from his list and be replaced by a younger prince, who can represent the country in the next ODI World Cup 2027.
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End of a Glorious ODI Career for Steve Smith:
Smith, who made his ODI debut in 2010 against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, transformed from a promising leg-spinning all-rounder into one of the great batters of his era. He played 170 ODIs across a glorious 15-year long career, scoring 5800 runs at a stunning average of 43.28 with 12 hundreds and 35 fifties. He also bowled well, taking 28 wickets at an average of 34.67.
Looking back on his decision he said, “It has been a great ride, and I have enjoyed every minute. There have been so many great times and good memories.” Two World Cups was a huge highlight, and many great team-mates along the way.”
Smith was a pivotal part of the World Cup-winning Australian sides of 2015 under Michael Clarke and 2023 under Pat Cummins. The team’s success was due largely to his batting ability, but his leadership was also evidently important—he captain Australia in 64 ODIs, achieving victory in 32 of them. During his reign, he led the team to several victories which included the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and a tri-series win against South Africa and the West Indies in 2016.
Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket leaving behind a legacy of brilliance!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 5, 2025
With his iconic run coming to an end, he bows down as one of the greatest! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/U6PghtyQmi
Steve Smith: Focusing on Test And T20 Cricket
However, Smith assured fans he will still be available for Test and T20 cricket despite stepping away from ODIs. “It is a good time for people to start getting ready for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to step aside. Test cricket is still at the forefront, and I am looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies series in the winter and then England at home. I still feel I have much to give at that stage.”
George Bailey, Australia’s Chairman of Selectors expressed his full support for Smith’s decision. “His record as a batter through 170 games is magnificent. Finishing the format as a two-time World Cup winner secures his legacy as one of the all-time great Australian ODI players. From our perspective, Steve is absolutely committed to Test cricket and a key member of that team.”
Who Else Might Retire From ODIs After Smith?
Smith’s retirement has set off speculation about other senior cricketers who may soon retire. Here are three-star ODIs with the Champions Trophy being a vital phase of their careers, who might hang their boots soon:
Rohit Sharma (India)
Rohit Sharma, one of the best white-ball skippers in modern cricket, is 37 and is in the twilight of his career. Woes have continued in the months since, with injuries disrupting his rhythm and average across the Champions Trophy turning out to be much below par. If India wins the tournament, he may think of retiring on a high note as he did after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup as the captain of the side. With the next ODI World Cup slated in 2027, India could look to usher in a younger skipper.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
The sharp decline in Glenn Maxell’s bowling form in ODIs has been since Australia’s 2023 World Cup victory. Although he delivered a match-winning knock against England in the Champions Trophy, he has failed to shine in pressure matches. Maxwell, who will be 36 in 2026, may choose to call time on his ODI career, preferring the shorter formats so that he could go as far as he could in T20 leagues as well as extend his international career in shorter formats.
Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja is often touted as one of the fittest cricketers, and he recently suggested that he is now focused on managing his body better as he ages. The 36-year-old all-rounder surprised his fans by announcing his retirement from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. With Test cricket still being a priority, he may want to walk away from ODIs after the Champions Trophy.
Also Read:
India is Getting an Unfair Advantage in the Champions Trophy: Says Pat Cummins
Shreyas Iyer: Solution for No 4 Batsmen of India in Champions Trophy 2025 and Beyond
Final Note on Steve Smith
Steve Smith has retired not just as an average player, but also as a great batter of Australian cricket, a leader, and a great overall player. It has been phenomenal to see him batting and leading his national team across formats. He has been phenomenal in domestic cricket leagues like IPL, BBL, and PSL, showcasing his talent with the bat. We can’t forget that Steve Smith started his career as a spin bowler but he improved his batting after getting selected for the Australian squad. He proved himself at many stages of his life and that’s actually what makes him different and more successful.
