Several prominent Indian cricketers are reportedly considering retirement following the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. This series has been particularly challenging for India, with significant scrutiny on the performances of veteran players.
Anil Kumble retired in BGT (2008)
Anil Kumble announced his retirement from international cricket on November 2, 2008, during the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. This decision came after he sustained a finger injury on the third day of the match, which played a significant role in his choice to step away from the game. Kumble made the announcement shortly after the tea break on the final day, following which he bowled four more overs before the match concluded in a draw.
At the time of his retirement, Kumble was India’s Test captain and had established himself as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history, with a remarkable tally of 619 wickets from 132 Tests, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history. His illustrious career spanned 18 years, and he was known for his resilience and competitive spirit, often battling injuries to continue playing at a high level.
Dhoni retire retired in BGT (2014)
MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket occurred unexpectedly on December 30, 2014, following the third Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This decision came immediately after a drawn Test, where Dhoni finished his innings unbeaten on 24 runs. His retirement was characterized by a lack of fanfare; he made no public announcement during the post-match press conference, which left many in the cricketing world surprised.
Dhoni’s retirement was particularly notable as it happened mid-series during India’s tour of Australia. This was a significant moment in Indian cricket history, as he stepped down after leading the team to the No. 1 ranking in Tests and having played 90 matches, scoring 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired in BGT (2024)
Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed Indian cricketer, has announced his retirement from international cricket effective immediately, a decision that has taken the cricketing world by surprise. This announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane, which ended in a draw, leaving the series tied at 1-1. Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket, as he has been a pivotal figure in the team for over 14 years.
The BGT series has seen several Indian legends conclude their Test careers on this platform. Notable players such as Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid all ended their illustrious careers during this prestigious series.
