Legendary Cricketers Expected to Say Goodbye to International Cricket

As the world is expecting a new beginning, several chapters need to close down – In the cricketing world some of the legendary cricketers expected to say goodbye to the international cricket. Marking a transition in the international cricket. The door for the young faces and names has been opened up as the legendary players are bidding farewell to the international formats.

The year 2025 marks a transition phase in international cricket. Several legendary cricketers, who have shaped the game with their performances and leadership, are stepping away from international cricket formats. Due to factors such as age, workload, form, and the rise of young talent are pushing teams to look ahead, making way for a new generation.

For world cricket fans, 2025 is both a charismatic and emotional toll. Major ICC tournaments like the Women’s ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship showcased high-quality performances, record-breaking moments, and unforgettable matches. At the same time, fans witnessed the end of an era as some of the biggest names in world cricket bid farewell to international cricket formats.

Legendary players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma officially retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals in 2025. The “fab four” players have started to close the curtain one by one. Australian player Steve Smith retired from ODIs and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson retired from T20s. Their exits signal a generational shift in world cricket. This transition is expected to continue in the year 2026, with more senior cricketers likely to announce their retirement.

Top 5 Legendary Cricketers Expected to Retire in 2026

1. Suryakumar Yadav (India) 

Suryakumar Yadav, known as SKY, made his international debut in 2021 and quickly became one of the most innovative T20 batters, often compared to South African batter AB de Villiers. After Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 Internationals, Suryakumar became India’s T20 captain. Despite a solid captaincy record, his recent batting form has raised concerns. In his last 25 T20I matches, he scored only 244 runs, with his last half-century in 2024 against Bangladesh. Suryakumar has openly discussed his struggles and taken responsibility in press conferences. At 35, consistent failures might affect his spot in a team that is looking for young talent. If his form does not improve, retirement from international cricket in 2026 is a real possibility.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)  

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has already retired from One Day Internationals and played his last Test in 2017. Currently, he is only active in T20 cricket.

 Now at 37, increasing competition from younger players in Australian cricket has led the Australian board to seek for more stable options in the longer format. Considering his age and injury history, many expect the 2026 T20 World Cup to be his final international tournament, possibly marking the end of one of cricket’s most entertaining careers and jaw dropping innings.

3. David Miller (South Africa)  

David Miller has been a key figure of South Africa’s middle order since his international debut in 2010. Known for his aggressive left-handed batting and calm demeanor under pressure, he has surpassed 7,000 runs in T20 cricket, a significant achievement. South Africa’s loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final was a heartbreak, and now at 36, the 2026 T20 World Cup might be his last chance to win an ICC trophy. Regardless of the outcome, retirement after 2026 seems likely for Miller.

4. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)  

Mohammad Nabi has been one of the most influential and inspiring figures in Afghanistan’s cricket journey. As a reliable all-rounder and leader, he has excelled with both bat and ball. 

At 41, Nabi stated himslef during the Champions Trophy 2025 that the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last international appearance in Afghanistan jersey. His retirement will mark the end of a crucial era for Afghan cricket, where experience has helped establish the team on the global stage and make Afghanistan team one of best teams at a global stage. 

5. Ajinkya Rahane (India)

Ajinkya Rahane last played for India in 2023. Once a dependable middle-order batter, especially in overseas Tests, he has since fallen out of the national selection plans. 

In white-ball cricket, his chances are limited due to established players like Shreyas Iyer in key positions. In red-ball cricket, the Indian team management led by coach Gautam Gambhir seems focused on younger players rather than recalling senior cricketers. Although Rahane continues to perform well in domestic cricket, a return to the Indian team seems unlikely, effectively ending his international career.