Cricket melts at Virat Kohli’s Steve Smith act before Aussie’s retirement
Steve Smith’s retirement from ODI cricket took many by surprise, but a moment between the Aussie and Virat Kohli said it all.
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Eagle eyed cricket fans have spotted the moment that revealed Steve Smith was retiring from One Day International cricket.
Smith announced on Tuesday he was retiring from ODI cricket following Australia’s four-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy semi-final.
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The two-time ODI World Cup winner has decided to end his time in the green and gold 50-over uniform, effective immediately.
“It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement.
“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.
“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.”
Viewers noticed an exchange between Smith and Virat Kohli at the end of the semi-final between India and Australia that might have given a clue to Smith’s retirement plans.
The pair shook hands and Smith patted Kohli on the shoulders as the Indian star appeared to ask Smith if this was his last ODI game.
Smith appeared to reply in the affirmative and the two superstars shared a heartfelt embrace.
Watch Virat Kohli’s exchange with Steve Smith in the video above
Cricket fans spotted the touching moment between two of the best batters of their generation.
One fan wrote on X: “Thank you Smithy. Keep playing Tests for as long as you can.
A second said: “Players always know. Spotted this too.”
Another said: “Kohli knew it before everyone else That’s why he hugged Steve Smith so hard and talked to him.”
A farewell hug from Virat Kohli to Steven Smith last night. â¤ï¸
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 5, 2025
- Thank you for the memories, Smudge! pic.twitter.com/sT9LvBY1xF
Kohli retired from T20 internationals following India’s T20 World Cup win in America last year.
The 36-year-old could well retire from the ODI format if India wins the Champions Trophy.
India will take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday after the Kiwis outclassed South Africa to win the other semi-final by 50 runs.
Kohli has scored 51 ODI centuries — the most of any player in the history of the game and two more than fellow Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Smith has enjoyed a career resurgence over recent months, scoring four centuries in his last four Test matches to take his overall tally to 36 hundreds.
“Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage,” Smith said.
Smith enjoyed a hugely successful career in the 50-over arena, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28, with 12 tons and 35 half-centuries.
A two-time Australian ODI player of the year and a member of the ICC’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015, Smith plans to continue playing Test matches for some time yet.
“Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home,” he added.
“I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”
Smith, who scored a 64-ball century for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, will continue to play T20 internationals and has hopes to represent Australia at the 2028 LA Olympics in the T20 format.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg led the tributes to Smith, stating: “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format.
“Right up until his final ODI innings Steve exhibited an incredible ability to accumulate runs in all conditions and his astute leadership has been crucial in the team’s ongoing success including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup victories.
“We’re fortunate Steve still has much to offer in the Test and T20 arenas and I look forward to witnessing the next stage of one of cricket’s great careers.”
In his final ODI knock, Smith batted at No. 3 and scored 73 from 96 balls, hitting one six and four boundaries to show he still had plenty to offer at this level.
Originally published as Cricket melts at Virat Kohli’s Steve Smith act before Aussie’s retirement
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