Indian Cricket’s Year of Goodbyes: Full List of Players Who Retired in 2025, Amit Mishra Joins the List
Indian Cricket's Year of Goodbyes: Full List of Players Who Retired in 2025, Amit Mishra Joins the List
2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year in Indian cricket—not just for emerging talent, but for emotional farewells. As the sport continues to evolve with a new generation of cricketers taking center stage, many seasoned veterans are stepping away from the international arena. In what feels like the end of an era, some of India’s most recognizable and respected names have bid farewell to the game this year.
From former captains to long-serving specialists, the retirements have come in waves. While fans are still processing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, others like Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha have also hung up their boots. And most recently, veteran spinner Amit Mishra officially announced his retirement from all formats of the game. These exits mark not just the end of careers, but the closing of chapters that shaped Indian cricket over the past decade or more.
Let’s take a closer look at all the Indian players who announced their retirement in 2025, and the legacy they leave behind.
Varun Aaron
Fast bowler Varun Aaron became the first notable Indian cricketer to call time on his international career in 2025. He made the announcement on January 10, officially retiring from all formats. Although he last played an ODI in November 2014, and his final Test appearance came in November 2015, Aaron remained active in domestic cricket. Known for his raw pace, Aaron’s international journey may have been brief, but he left his mark during his early years with Team India.
Wriddhiman Saha
On February 1, 2025, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha announced his retirement from international cricket. One of the most reliable glovemen India has produced, Saha played his last ODI back in November 2014, and his final Test match appearance came in December 2021. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp reflexes behind the stumps, Saha’s contributions were vital during India’s transition phase post-MS Dhoni.
Rohit Sharma
A name that needs no introduction, Rohit Sharma made headlines once again—but this time, for saying goodbye. After leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. But the bigger surprise came on May 7, 2025, when he also retired from Test cricket, just before India’s tour of England. While he’s stepped away from two formats, Rohit continues to be available for ODIs, keeping fans hopeful for a few more magical innings.
Virat Kohli
Close on the heels of Rohit, India’s batting icon Virat Kohli also closed the curtain on two major chapters of his cricketing life. After the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, Virat stepped down from T20 Internationals. Then, just five days after Rohit’s retirement from Tests, Kohli too announced on May 12 that he was walking away from Test cricket. However, like Rohit, he remains active in the ODI setup, still wearing the blue jersey with pride.
Cheteshwar Pujara
One of India’s most dependable Test specialists, Cheteshwar Pujara brought his long and storied career to an end on August 24, 2025, when he announced his retirement from all formats. Pujara last featured in an ODI in June 2014, and his final Test outing came in June 2023 against Australia. A symbol of patience and resilience, his presence in the middle order was instrumental in many of India’s overseas successes.
Piyush Chawla
Another leg-spinner from India’s golden generation, Piyush Chawla also announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on June 6, 2025. A two-time World Cup winner (2007 T20 and 2011 ODI), Chawla was a crafty wrist-spinner who made an impact despite limited international opportunities. He played 3 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 7 T20Is for India. Chawla remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket and was a regular face in the IPL well into his late 30s. His ability to outfox batters with variations made him a valuable asset across formats.
Amit Mishra
Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra became the latest addition to this growing list of retirees, announcing his decision on September 4, 2025. While his last appearances for India came years ago—ODI in October 2016, Test in December 2016, and T20I in February 2017—Mishra had remained involved in domestic cricket and the IPL for several years. With a career marked by crucial spells and a calm attitude, Mishra’s farewell is another emotional moment for Indian cricket fans.
The retirement of these seasoned players is more than just a list of names; it represents the passing of the torch to a younger generation. 2025 has turned into a reflective year for Indian cricket—a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and anticipation for what lies ahead. From the aggressive brilliance of Kohli to the dependable solidity of Pujara, the stylish stroke play of Rohit to the quiet consistency of Saha, each player leaves behind a unique legacy.
As these icons step off the field for the final time, fans across the world will remember the countless moments they gave us—moments of joy, pride, heartbreak, and celebration. And while new heroes will rise, the contributions of this golden generation will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket.
