Cricket’s Big Goodbyes: Top 5 Stars Who Retired in 2025 | In Photos
In cricket history, 2025 will always be regarded as a watershed year. Five contemporary greats decided to hang up their boots in that year. After leading his team to 40 historic Test triumphs and amassing 9,230 runs, India’s run-machine, Virat Kohli, concluded his Test career in May. With 7,195 Test runs and innumerable gritty knocks, including his legendary efforts in Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara, dubbed the “Wall of India,” retired from all formats in August. In 2025, spin specialist R. Ashwin also said goodbye, having taken 537 Test wickets and more than 750 international scalps. In addition to India, two potent batsmen, Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa and Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies, also announced their retirements from international cricket in June. Pooran joined the T20I
Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket 2025
Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025, finishing with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 40 Test wins as captain. (Photo: X/BCCI)
Cheteshwar Pujara Bids Farewell in 2025
Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara, the ‘Wall of India,’ retired from all formats in 2025, scoring 7,195 Test runs and 19 centuries, with iconic knocks in Australia. (Photo: X/BCCI)
R. Ashwin Ends Cricket Career in 2025
Indian spinner R. Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024 and IPL in 2025, ending with 537 Test wickets, 765 total wickets, and 187 IPL dismissals. (Photo: X/BCCI)
Nicholas Pooran Retires in 2025
West Indies star Nicholas Pooran retired from all formats in June 2025, remembered for his explosive batting and contributions as one of the leading T20 run-getters. (Photo: X/BCCI)
Heinrich Klaasen Retires from International Cricket in 2025
South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen retired in June 2025, remembered for his explosive batting in white-ball cricket before moving fully to franchise leagues.
