Over the years, Indian cricket has seen several legends walk away quietly without receiving the farewell they truly deserved. The conversation around farewell matches often resurfaces whenever iconic players retire suddenly from international cricket. Here, we revisit 8 Indian Cricketers Did not Get Farewell — players whose glorious careers ended without that final walk to the pitch.
This includes many Indian cricketers who retired without farewell matches, a topic that continues to spark debates among fans.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most charismatic openers, made his international debut in 2010 and quickly became known for his fearless stroke play. His U-19 World Cup record still stands tall, and he also holds the fastest scoring record in an ICC ODI tournament.
Despite a successful career, Dhawan often made headlines for off-field controversies, including a defamation case filed by his ex-wife. In the IPL, he earned a salary of INR 8.25 crore in 2023 and built a massive net worth of around INR 96 crore.
On 24 August 2024, Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket — without a farewell match. Fans still believe he deserved a memorable send-off.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Among the 8 Indian Cricketers Did not Get Farewell, MS Dhoni is the name that surprises the world the most.
Dhoni’s legacy is unmatched — the first Indian wicketkeeper to cross 4,000 Test runs, record-holder for most dismissals as an Indian wicketkeeper, winner of major ICC titles, and one of the sharpest cricketing minds ever. His achievements earned him the Padma Bhushan and numerous ICC awards.
Dhoni’s career wasn’t untouched by controversy, from tax disputes to his name appearing during the spot-fixing chaos. Yet, nothing overshadowed his brilliance. His net worth, estimated in hundreds of crores, reflects his long-standing success.
On 15 August 2020, Dhoni retired from international cricket. Despite being India’s most successful captain, he too became one of the Famous Indian players denied proper retirement farewell.
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, India’s legendary off-spinner, burst onto the scene in the late 1990s. His unforgettable 32-wicket series against Australia in 2001 cemented him as one of India’s fiercest match-winners.
Harbhajan played a massive role in India’s triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In the IPL, he was an influential part of Mumbai Indians, contributing to three title-winning seasons. He later moved to Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite everything he gave Indian cricket, Harbhajan retired on 24 December 2021 without a farewell match — joining the long list of Indian cricketers who retired without farewell matches.
Virender Sehwag
Say Virender Sehwag, and cricket fans instantly think of those fearless first-ball boundaries. Known for rewriting Test cricket’s pace with two triple hundreds, four double hundreds, and 23 Test centuries, Sehwag was a phenomenon.
In ODIs too, he struck 15 centuries, including a double hundred. He won ICC Test Player of the Year in 2010 and changed the way the world viewed opening batting.
Yet, despite everything, Sehwag retired quietly on 20 October 2015, without a farewell match — one of the 8 Indian Cricketers Did not Get Farewell.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh’s explosive batting defined an era. His six sixes in one over against Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup remain one of cricket’s most iconic moments. With 11,778 international runs, Yuvi inspired millions.
His battle with cancer and extraordinary comeback became a symbol of resilience. But with India transitioning and new players emerging, Yuvraj struggled to find a permanent spot.
He announced his retirement in 2019, quietly walking away without a farewell match — a tough end for one of India’s biggest match-winners.
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan was India’s pace backbone for more than a decade. With 311 Test wickets, 282 ODI wickets, and 44 World Cup wickets, Zaheer remains one of India’s greatest fast bowlers.
He revolutionized the knuckleball and showcased exceptional skill in the 2011 World Cup, troubling top batters with reverse swing and variations.
Despite his contributions, Zaheer retired on 15 October 2015, without a farewell match. For fans, it was disappointing to see such a legend added to the list of Famous Indian players denied proper retirement farewell.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir’s gritty 97 in the 2011 World Cup final remains one of the most important innings in Indian cricket history. Consistent across formats, Gambhir was named ICC Player of the Year in 2009 and later captained India in limited opportunities.
Despite his priceless contributions, Gambhir played his last ODI in 2013 and retired from all forms of cricket in March 2019 — again without a farewell match.
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Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was India’s clutch performer — someone who could stabilize innings, accelerate when needed, and contribute in the field. His crucial partnerships in the 2011 World Cup, especially against Australia and Pakistan, played a huge role in India becoming champions.
Raina announced retirement on 15 August 2020, the same day as Dhoni. But he, too, exited the game without a farewell match, silently joining the 8 Indian Cricketers Did not Get Farewell list.
FAQ: 8 Indian Cricketers Did not Get Farewell
Why didn’t these Indian legends receive a farewell match?
Most retirements were sudden or during team transitions, leaving no window for a farewell game to be organized.
Which Indian player’s farewell absence shocked fans the most?
MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh top the list because both had massive fanbases and iconic careers, making fans expect a grand send-off.
Did the BCCI ever explain why farewell matches weren’t given?
No official explanation was issued. Decisions usually depend on team schedules, player form, and timing of retirement.
Is Shikhar Dhawan officially retired from all forms of cricket?
Yes. Dhawan retired from all formats on 24 August 2024, confirming his exit without a farewell match.
Can retired players still receive a ceremonial farewell later?
Yes, teams or boards can organise honorary farewell events or tribute matches even after formal retirement, though it rarely happens.