Indian cricket has reached new heights in recent years with consistent performances across formats, including series wins in overseas conditions.
While some players who started their careers with promise eventually faded, the new generation has taken charge. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, opportunities have opened up for younger talent. Here let us look at ten Indian cricketers who may announce their retirement soon.
10 Indian cricketers who might retire soon
Hanuma Vihari
The middle-order batter Hanuma Vihari has proven that consistent domestic performances matter. He debuted for India at 24 and is known for playing long innings rather than scoring quick runs. Last seen in 2022, Vihari has scored 839 runs in 28 innings. With a long gap from international cricket, retirement could be on the horizon.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, a key white-ball player for India for nearly seven years, may retire soon. Having last played in 2023, Chahal took 121 ODI wickets and 96 T20I wickets. His best T20I figures came against England in Bengaluru in 2017, where he claimed 6/25.
Ajinkya Rahane
Former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane last played Tests for India in 2023 against West Indies. A reliable middle-order batter, he has scored 5077 runs in 144 Test innings, 2962 runs in ODIs, and 375 runs in T20Is. While his white-ball contributions are limited, he remains a strong Test player, but with no place in the team, his retirement could come soon.
Cheteshwar Pujara
The veteran Cheteshwar Pujara, last seen in the 2023 World Test Championship Final, is another likely retiree. Though he has only played five ODIs, Pujara thrived in the longest format, scoring 7195 runs in 176 Test innings at an average of 43.60, often anchoring the Indian innings with remarkable consistency. With age not on his side, this could be the end of his career.
Vijay Shankar
The all-rounder Vijay Shankar, having last appeared in 2019, had below-average performances at the international level. He played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is. With competition for his spot increasing, he may announce retirement soon, though he remains active in domestic cricket.
Jaydev Unadkat
The left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat debuted across formats but has struggled to cement his place. Having last played in 2023, he has four Tests, eight ODIs, and 10 T20Is under his belt. With other pacers solidifying India’s attack, retirement seems likely for the bowler.
Amit Mishra
The 42-year-old leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who last played in 2017, had a long international career since 2003. With 76 Test wickets, 64 ODI wickets, and 16 T20I wickets, he had a decent time at the biggest stage. However, his increasing age may prompt him to hang up his boots.
Manish Pandey
The middle-order batter Manish Pandey, last seen in 2021, has played 29 ODIs and 39 T20Is. While he has a decent record in shorter formats, he has struggled to cement a permanent spot, making retirement a strong possibility. Currently, he is leading the Mysore Warriors in the Maharaja T20 Trophy 2025.
Harshal Patel
The right-arm pacer Harshal Patel, who played 25 T20Is and took 29 wickets, last appeared in 2023. Harshal had limited opportunities and minimal contributions suggest he might step away from international cricket.
Deepak Hooda
The batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda, last played in 2023, has featured only in white-ball cricket, with 10 ODIs and 21 T20Is. Hooda displayed mostly inconsistent performances meaning he could soon retire from the international setup.