Indian Cricket Veterans Who Could Retire Soon: Indian cricket is going through a generational shift. New faces are joining the team, formats are changing, and the competition to make it to the playing XI has become fiercer than ever.
This natural cycle often means that some of the most familiar names in the game slowly fade from the limelight, making way for a new wave of talent.
While retirements are rarely announced out of the blue, signs such as long absences from the national team, poor performances and a weak bench strength often point to the final stages of an international career.
Here is a look at six Indian cricketers who could be nearing the end of their journey in the blue jersey.
Yuzvendra Chahal—From match-winner to out-of-favour
There was a time when Yuzvendra Chahal was India’s most popular bowler in limited-overs cricket, especially in the middle overs
With 121 ODI and 96 T20I wickets, his ability to outwit batsmen made him a constant threat.
But from 2023 onwards, Chahal is out of the national team, with selectors betting on younger options like Ravi Bishnoi and a refreshed Kuldeep Yadav.
At 34, and with a promising IPL career, he may soon opt to focus solely on franchise cricket rather than making an India comeback.
Hanuma Vihari—The forgotten hero of Sydney
Hanuma Vihari’s blistering innings during the 2021 Sydney Test, in which he batted to save the match despite injury, is etched in the history of Indian cricket.
However, despite scoring 839 Test runs in 28 innings, he last played for India in 2022.
With the Test middle order now filled with aggressive youngsters, Vihari’s patient batting style has not found a place in recent teams—a sign that his international career is slowly drawing to a close.
Ajinkya Rahane—a leader without a role
A reliable vice-captain for many years, Ajinkya Rahane has been part of some of India’s biggest overseas triumphs
His 5,077 Test runs bear testimony to resilience and technique, but the selectors have moved on to a younger leadership group.
After his last Test series against the West Indies in 2023, Rahane has been dropped from the squad altogether.
At the age of 36, his departure could be announced if he doesn’t make an unexpected comeback.
Cheteshwar Pujara—the end of the era of the wall
Considered the backbone of India’s Test batting, Cheteshwar Pujara has amassed an impressive record—7,195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60.
His patient attitude and ability to bat for hours made him a key part of overseas victories.
But with his last performance in the 2023 World Test Championship final and the team’s shift towards more aggressive batsmen, Pujara’s return is unlikely. He may soon join the list of Indian greats who quietly retired.
Amit Mishra—The veteran waiting for the finale
Amit Mishra’s international career has spanned decades, starting in 2003. He has taken 76 Test wickets, 64 ODI wickets and 16 T20I wickets. Known for his variety and cleverness, he has always been a reliable spin bowler.
Although he last played for India in 2017, Mishra still plays in the IPL. However, at the age of 42, an official announcement of his retirement could come soon.
Manish Pandey—From rising star to domestic legend
Once touted as a future batting star, Manish Pandey was the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. In 29 ODIs and 39 T20Is, he put up some impressive performances but couldn’t cement his place.
Now captaining the Mysore Warriors in the Maharaja’s T20 Trophy 2025, Pandey is focused on domestic and league cricket.
His absence from the Indian team’s plans for the last four years is a clear indication that his international career may have come to an end.
Conclusion
Every cricketer’s career eventually reaches its final stage. For the likes of Chahal, Vihari, Rahane, Pujara, Mishra and Pandey, it may be all over now. Whether they bid a grand farewell or stick to domestic cricket, their contribution to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.
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