Cricket in India is constantly evolving, with younger talents stepping up and senior players slowly making way. Over the past few years, many veterans have already bid farewell, and now a few more stalwarts seem to be nearing the twilight of their careers.
While none of them have officially announced their retirement yet, the signs are clear-limited opportunities, rising competition, and the inevitable march of time. Here’s a closer look at five Indian cricketers who might call it quits in the near future.
1. Ajinkya Rahane – The End of a Test Specialist
Ajinkya Rahane, now 37, has been one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen. Known for his calm presence at the crease and crucial knocks overseas, played a key role in some of India’s historic victories, including the series win in Australia in 2020-21 where he captained the side. However, his form declined after that, and he last featured for in July 2023 against the West Indies.
With selectors moving towards younger batters and the middle order brimming with options, a comeback looks highly unlikely. While Rahane continues to play domestic cricket, retirement from the international scene appears imminent.
2. Ishant Sharma – The Workhorse Pacer
Ishant Sharma has been one of India’s longest-serving fast bowlers, having made his debut back in 2007. Now 36, he has over 100 Test matches under his belt and was instrumental in India’s overseas success between 2018 and 2021. However, his last appearance came in November 2021 against New Zealand, and since then, he has been out of the selectors’ radar.
Though he is still active in the IPL, his absence from the red-ball setup for almost four years indicates the end is near. Ishant has not officially announced his retirement, but given the competition among pacers, it seems only a matter of time.
3. Umesh Yadav – A Fighter Losing His Spot
Umesh Yadav, aged 37, has been another reliable pacer for India over the years. With 57 Test matches, he was part of the squad that played the World Test Championship final in 2023. Known for his pace and aggression, Umesh often provided breakthroughs with the new ball.
But since that final, he has not been in contention, largely due to the rise of younger bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. While Umesh remains active in domestic circuits and the IPL, the reality is that a recall looks highly improbable. Retirement might soon be the natural conclusion to his international journey.
4. Jaydev Unadkat – The Unfulfilled Return
Jaydev Unadkat’s story has been one of perseverance. After making his debut in 2010, he waited more than a decade to get another Test opportunity, which finally arrived in 2022. Unfortunately, he couldn’t cement his place and last played for India in 2023.
Now 33, Unadkat continues to perform in the domestic arena and IPL, but he finds himself far behind in the pecking order of India’s pace department. With limited chances on the horizon and selectors preferring younger left-arm pacers, he too could soon bring curtains down on his international aspirations.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Swing King Fading Away
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, once India’s most trusted new-ball bowler, has been away from international cricket since November 2022. At 35, the chances of a comeback appear slim, despite his continued participation in the IPL. Bhuvi’s career has often been affected by injuries, which reduced his effectiveness in all formats.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, he was a vital figure in India’s white-ball setup for almost a decade. While his IPL experience still makes him valuable, a farewell from international cricket seems inevitable sooner rather than later.