Cricket fans the world over witnessed an emotional moment as Australian batting legend Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket because of Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal loss against India in Dubai. A touching on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Smith, amid the heartbreaking defeat, has gone viral, evoking admiration and speculation across social media.

A Gesture That Said It All
The moment that caught the attention of the internet happened right after the match, when "Kohli and Smith were seen having a little talk before sharing an emotional hug". Social media users believe that it was at this moment that Smith told Kohli he would be retiring. In the viral video, Kohli appears to ask Smith whether it was his last ODI match, to which the Australian great gives a subtle nod in confirmation.

"Smith Confirms ODI Retirement"
Smith formally announced his ODI retirement, saying that it is the right time for him to step aside in assurance that Australia is building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"It has been a great ride, and I has loved every minute of it," said Smith in a media release to Cricket Australia. "Some of the most memorable moments come from winning two World Cups for sure and by sharing the journey with many amazing teammates".

Smith was a key member of Australia's winning squads in 2015 and 2023 and was subsequently named Australia's Men's ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He had taken over as ODI captain in 2015, leading the team in his final game in an honorary capacity for his tall companion, Pat Cummins, who was injured.

"I think now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way," Smith added. 

Although he has retired from ODIs, the 35-year-old will continue to play Test and T20 cricket, with the attention turning toward the World Test Championship Final in June. "I honestly believe that I still have a lot to contribute in this format," he insisted, while also giving high priority to the longest version of the game.

Fans React to the Emotional Moment
Smith's announcement and the exchange he had with Kohli have drawn a torrent of admiration from across the cricketing fraternity.

Fans took to social media, praising Kohli's sportsmanship and Smith's legendary career. One fan wrote, ''This is what cricket is all about: rivalry on the field but pure respect off it!'' Another tweeted, "Two legends. One unforgettable moment. Cricket won today".

Kohli-Smith camaraderie has remained one of the most talked-about aspects of modern cricket, where their rivalry flourished through multiple ICC tournaments and iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy battles; despite the intensity of their tussles, the two have shown genuine respect for each other time and again.

Virat Kohli's On-Field Gesture For 'Retiring' Steve Smith Sets Internet On Fire - Watchhttps://t.co/w2pcTL5w1r pic.twitter.com/8jyx7RWoiu

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 6, 2025

The End of an Era
With Smith's exit from ODIs marking Australia as an end to an era, allied with the forward flow of cricket. Brilliant stylist; superiority in composure; steadfast will have been an edifice on which Australia built white-ball legitimacy for an uninterrupted stretch that extended more than a decade.

While Kohli's gesture makes sure Smith is given the fitting send-off he so richly deserves, it further brings into view the abiding respect two of the best players in this cricket world hold for each other.