Australia cricket team captain Steve Smith surprised the cricket world by suddenly retiring from ODIs after the defeat to India in the Champions Trophy semi-final. Smith, one of the best batsmen in modern cricket, decided to retire from ODI cricket. Before making his decision public, he had informed former Team India captain Virat Kohli about this.

Smith played 170 ODIs for Australia in which he scored 5800 runs. Smith wrote on Instagram, "It's time to close the chapter of my ODI career. It is a matter of pride for me to wear canary yellow and be a part of two World Cup-winning teams. Thanks for everyone's support, it has been an amazing journey."

A clip is going viral on social media, which shows that Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli already knew about Smith's retirement. The clip shows Kohli meeting Smith, in which he asks if he has played his last ODI and Smith answers in the affirmative.

Smith captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32, losing 24, and four inconclusive matches. He scored 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, as well as taking 28 wickets with his leg-spin bowling. Along with the great Ricky Ponting, Smith holds the record for the highest individual score of 164 as an Australian captain in ODIs.

The 35-year-old Smith was part of the Australian teams that won the ODI World Cup in 2015 (Australia) and 2023 (India). Smith said in a statement, "There have been so many wonderful times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a big highlight along with many great teammates who shared this journey. Now is the right time to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, so I think this is the right time."

Smith will be available for Test and T20 cricket. He said, "Test cricket will remain my priority and I am looking forward to playing in the World Test Championship final, against West Indies and then against England at home. I think I can still contribute a lot on that platform."

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