Watch: Steve Smith Leaks ODI Retirement News To Virat Kohli

After Australia failed to qualify for the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 with the defeat against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Steve Smith announced his ODI retirement immediately, as he will continue to remain available for the Tests and T20Is.

The upcoming ODI ICC event will be the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. But Smith, at 35, reckons that it would provide the players a great chance to gel among the side in the future. He led the national side in the absence of Pat Cummins.

Steve Smith prioritizes national commitment and Test cricket for the future

For a long time in the past, Steve Smith has expressed that he would always want to stay fit for the longest format, and his priority at the moment, with the upcoming final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against South Africa at Lord’s. They will host England in the home Ashes towards the end of this year.

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“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it. There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey.” Steve Smith expressed in a statement.

“Test cricket remains a priority, and I am 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.” The veteran addressed.

Steve Smith is not in the plans for Australia in the shortest format, as he was ignored by the selectors during the T20 World Cup 2024. But he has displayed his wish to represent the side at the 2028 Olympic Games in the T20 cricket and remains available for the call up.

He became the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2015 and was their ODI Player of the Year in 2014-14 and 2020-21 when he smashed two successive 62-ball centuries at the SCG against India in three days.

Watch: Steve Smith reveals retirement news to Virat Kohli

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Virat Kohli asked Smith about his plans, and Smith revealed his plans as both of the players hugged each other.

In 154 ODI innings, the right-handed batter finished with 5800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96, shouldering on 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of 164. Even on the field, he picked up 90 catches and collected 28 wickets with the ball.

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That means Kohli and Smith are unlikely to face each other across formats. The latter won’t be there when India travels down under for an ODI series later this year, while Kohli is unlikely to go to Australia for a future series.

Kohli asked Smith - 'Last?'.
His face changed when Smith said Yes.

Thank you Smithy. Keep playing Tests for as long as you can💙pic.twitter.com/Rabk9I6adS

— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith smashes 73 runs in farewell ODI

On a dry and slow surface in Dubai, Smith mastered a fine knock of 73 runs in 96 balls, shouldering on four boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 76.04. He nailed a few great boundaries and wasn’t delighted with his missed chances to get the boundaries.

Mohammad Shami’s full toss crashed onto his stumps as he left the field one last time in the 50-over format for the national side. He now turns his mind to the shortest format before starting preparation for the WTC 2023-25 final.