MS Dhoni to Ravi Ashwin: 7 Indian Cricket Legends Who Never Got a Farewell Match

Over the years, Indian cricket has seen many legendary players with remarkable careers who, unfortunately, did not receive a farewell match. The latest example is Ravichandran Ashwin, who unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin played his last match in Adelaide and announced his retirement shortly after the Brisbane match. Here, we take a look at seven iconic Indian cricketers who, despite their contributions, did not get the farewell match they deserved.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin unexpectedly announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test against Australia. He did not get a farewell match. The modern-day great spinner had his last Test being the pink-ball Adelaide match during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

2. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni last played for India in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. He later surprised everyone by announcing his retirement in 2020. Dhoni declared his retirement on Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown after sports activities had come to a halt.

3. Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag retired in 2013 without receiving a proper farewell match. The “Nawab of Najafgarh” played his last international match on January 3, 2013, when India faced Pakistan at Eden Gardens.

4. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh was reportedly offered a farewell match in 2017, but he declined the opportunity. The legendary all-rounder played his last match for India against the West Indies in June 2017. He announced his retirement from international cricket on June 10, 2019.

5. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh last played for India in 2016, and he retired from all formats of the game in 2021. The Turbanator’s last match was the India vs South Africa ODI at Wankhede on October 25, 2015.

6. Zaheer khan

Zaheer Khan gradually lost his place in the Indian team after the 2011 ODI World Cup and finally announced his retirement in 2014.

7. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan retired from all forms of cricket in early 2024 and never received a proper farewell match for India. The “Gabbar of India” played his last match for India in an ODI against Bangladesh on December 10, 2022.

8. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman retired from Test cricket in 2012 but did not receive a proper farewell match. His last match was against Australia on January 24, 2012, in a Test match.