Team India batting star Virat Kohli had seemingly asked Steve Smith if it was his last ODI following the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia on Tuesday in Dubai. A video of the same surfaced on social media as Kohli's expression changed after a brief conversation with the Aussie great and the two embraced.
The 35-year-old Aussie great announced his retirement from ODI cricket on March 5, Wednesday, having played 170 ODIs and scoring 5800 runs alongside 12 centuries. He also top-scored for the Men in Yellow in the semi-final against India with 73 off 96 deliveries to propel their side to 264 but the inexperienced bowling attack weren't successful in defending the total.
"Test cricket remains a priority" - Steve Smith
In his retirement statement, Smith stated that he chose to bow out as he sees this as the perfect opportunity to build a team for the next 50-overs World Cup. However, the veteran said he is fully committed to keep playing Test cricket.
"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 teammates who shared the journey. Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way. 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."
