Top 7 India cricketers who left international cricket without a farewell

Indian cricket has produced many legendary players who gave fans unforgettable performances over the years. However, not every great player got the chance to play a formal farewell match. Some retired soon after their final international appearance, while others left the national team after spending a long time away from international cricket.

Players such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and several other Indian stars have made a lasting impact on the sport. Their performances, hard work and achievements have inspired generations of cricketers. However, some players did not get the traditional farewell that many fans expected.

A farewell match is often seen as a special way to celebrate a player's contribution to Indian cricket. Still, several famous players ended their international careers without one. In this article, we will share complete details about seven Indian cricketers who left international cricket without a formal farewell.

7. Ravichandran Ashwin

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin established himself as one of the greats of Test cricket, but he retired without a formal farewell match. He finished his Test career with 537 wickets in 200 innings, including 37 five-wicket hauls. He also became the first bowler to take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship.

Ashwin's final appearance for India came in the second Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He announced his retirement from international cricket on the final day of the third Test in Brisbane, ending his career without a chance to receive a farewell on the field.

6. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket through social media on August 24, 2025. The Test specialist last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. He finished his Test career with 103 matches and 7,195 runs.

Pujara was a key part of India's Test batting for more than a decade and was known for his solid defence and patience at the crease. However, his international career ended without a formal farewell match, with his retirement announcement coming through social media instead.

5. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan was one of India's most successful ODI openers and a key performer in ICC tournaments during his international career. He retired from international and domestic cricket in 2024 after making a significant contribution to Indian cricket across formats.

Dhawan's final appearance for India came in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2022. He did not receive a formal farewell match before ending his international career, bringing an end to a memorable journey with the Indian team.

4. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid is widely regarded as one of the finest Test batters in cricket history. Known as the 'Wall', the former India captain was famous for his patience, composure and solid defence. He often spent long hours at the crease and made life difficult for opposition bowlers.

Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches at an average of 52.31. His final Test came during the 2012 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He retired from international cricket without playing a formal farewell match.

3. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman remains one of India's most celebrated Test batters. He played 134 Tests and 86 ODIs for India and produced several memorable performances during his international career.

Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket in 2012, just before India's Test series against New Zealand. He did not get a farewell appearance before ending his international career.

2. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh played an important role in India's success with his off-spin. He finished his career with 417 Test wickets and 269 ODI wickets. He was also part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams.

His final international appearance came against the UAE in 2016. Harbhajan retired from all forms of cricket in 2021 without playing a formal farewell match for India.

1. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket during the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He announced his decision after the third Test in Melbourne and finished his Test career with 4,876 runs in 90 matches. Virat Kohli then took over as India's captain for the final Test of the series.

Dhoni later retired from all forms of international cricket in 2020 through a social media post. He did not receive a farewell match in any format, bringing an end to one of the most successful international careers in Indian cricket without a traditional send-off.