Steve Smith retires from ODIs after India’s win
Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following his team’s Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal defeat against India in Dubai. The experienced batter informed his teammates of his decision in the dressing room after the match, bringing an end to his illustrious ODI career with immediate effect.
Smith, who was leading the Australian side in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, played a crucial role in guiding the team through the tournament. However, Australia fell short against India in the high-stakes semifinal clash, prompting Smith to call time on his ODI career.
Having made his ODI debut in 2010, Smith evolved from a leg-spinning all-rounder to one of the world’s most consistent and technically sound batsmen. He played a key role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning campaign and was a pivotal figure in multiple ICC events over the years.
Smith’s retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket, leaving a void in the middle order. While he will continue to play in Test cricket, his absence from the ODI setup will undoubtedly be felt as Australia looks ahead to future tournaments.
Steve Smith Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket After Champions Trophy Semi-Final Defeat to India
Australia’s veteran cricketer and stand-in captain Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final defeat to India in Dubai on Tuesday. Smith, who top-scored for his side in the crucial knockout match, shared his decision with his teammates in the dressing room after the game.
According to a statement released by Cricket Australia, Smith will continue to be available for Test cricket and T20 Internationals (T20Is), but his time in the 50-over format has come to an end.
A Remarkable ODI Career
Smith made his ODI debut in 2010 against the West Indies as a spin-bowling all-rounder. However, he transformed into one of the finest batsmen in world cricket, earning a reputation for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting technique. Over the course of his ODI career, he played 170 matches, scoring 5,800 runs at an impressive average of 43.28. His career included 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, alongside 28 wickets at an average of 34.67 with his leg-spin.
A crucial part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023, Smith played a vital role in some of the country’s biggest ODI triumphs. His ability to anchor innings under pressure made him one of Australia’s most dependable middle-order batsmen.
Smith first took over the ODI captaincy in 2015 after Michael Clarke’s retirement, leading the side to several important victories. His leadership skills and experience saw him return to the role on an interim basis during the Champions Trophy 2025 in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who was ruled out due to injury.
Leading from the Front in His Final Match
The semi-final clash against India turned out to be Smith’s last ODI appearance. He played a crucial knock, scoring 73 runs off 96 balls on a sluggish Dubai pitch after opting to bat first. His innings helped Australia post a competitive 265-run target, but India eventually chased it down to book their place in their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from ODIs, Smith emphasized the importance of allowing younger players to gain experience ahead of the next World Cup in 2027.
Reactions to Smith’s Retirement
Smith’s announcement has sparked an outpouring of tributes from teammates, former players, and cricket fans worldwide. Many have praised his contributions to Australian cricket and his ability to perform under pressure.
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, hailed Smith as one of the best ODI players of his generation. “Steve has been an incredible servant to Australian cricket. His ability to construct innings and absorb pressure has been second to none. We will miss his presence in ODIs, but we respect his decision and look forward to his continued contributions in Tests and T20s,” McDonald said.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also lauded Smith’s achievements, stating, “Steve’s transformation from a leg-spinner to one of the best batsmen in the world is an inspiration. His performances in World Cups and key ODI series will be remembered for years.”
Teammate and close friend Marnus Labuschagne described Smith as a mentor, saying, “He’s someone we’ve all looked up to. His cricketing brain is unmatched, and his influence in the dressing room has been huge. We’ll miss him in the ODI setup, but we know he still has a lot to offer in Tests and T20 cricket.”
The Future Without Smith in ODIs
With Smith stepping away from the 50-over format, Australia will now look to groom younger players for the middle order. The likes of Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk are expected to play bigger roles as the team rebuilds for the next World Cup cycle.
Smith’s departure also raises questions about Australia’s ODI leadership. While Cummins is the official captain, the team might consider a transition period where a younger player is groomed for a long-term leadership role in white-ball cricket.
Focus on Test and T20 Cricket
Even though Smith has retired from ODIs, he remains committed to Test and T20 cricket. With a crucial Test series against India coming up and the ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, he will continue to be an integral part of the Australian squad.
His decision to prioritize Test cricket aligns with his passion for the longest format of the game. Smith has often expressed his deep love for Test cricket, where he boasts an extraordinary record, and his focus will now shift toward cementing his legacy in the red-ball format.
A Legendary ODI Career Comes to an End
From his early days as a leg-spinner to becoming one of the most consistent batsmen in the format, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His contributions, particularly in ICC tournaments, have played a key role in shaping Australia’s ODI success over the past decade.
As he bids farewell to ODIs, Smith leaves behind a legacy of resilience, skill, and leadership. While his absence will be felt, his impact on Australian cricket will endure for years to come. Fans will now look forward to seeing him continue his brilliance in Tests and T20s, where he remains a vital figure for Australia.
Smith’s retirement serves as a reminder that cricket is constantly evolving, and teams must adapt to new challenges. For now, Australia will celebrate the career of one of their finest cricketers, while preparing for the future without him in ODIs.