Australian cricket veteran Steve Smith has made his One Day International (ODI) retirement official after Australia's semi-final loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old veteran batter, who scored a gritty 73 as the top scorer for his side, told his teammates straight after the match that it was his last ODI outing.

But Smith has asserted that he will play Test and T20I cricket, with emphasis on future big red-ball series, such as the World Test Championship Final, West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England in Australia.

An Emotional Farewell

Looking back at his career, Smith has credited being part of an exemplary ODI career lasting almost 15 years. It has been a wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. There have been so many great times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a wonderful highlight, as well as the many great teammates who were part of the journey," Smith stated.

He added that with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming, it was the appropriate time for Australia to begin planning for the future.

Now is an excellent time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it is the perfect time to step aside."

🚨BREAKING🚨: Australian stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket#SteveSmith #CricketAustralia pic.twitter.com/eTYWGLGnFu

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith's Magnificent ODI Career

Smith departs ODIs with a fantastic record:

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• 5800 runs in 170 games
• 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries
• Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup champion (2015, 2023)
• Captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32

Smith was instrumental in Australia's 2015 World Cup win under Michael Clarke and also a member of the team that won the trophy once again in 2023 under Pat Cummins.

His stint in leadership included many highlights such as series wins against England and India in 2016, a Chappell-Hadlee Trophy victory, and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies. His most recent effort was guiding Australia to a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against West Indies in 2023-24.

Tribute from Cricket Australia

After his statement, Cricket Australia's Selectors Chairman, George Bailey, noted Smith's input into Australian cricket.

"We wholeheartedly agree and endorse Steve's retirement from One Day International cricket. His batting record over 167 matches is second to none, and to depart the format as a two-time World Cup champion is testament to his place among the great Australian ODI players."

Bailey also reaffirmed that Smith is entirely committed to Test cricket, where he remains an integral leader and precious asset.

The Journey of a Leg-Spinner to a Great Batsman

The career of Smith on the international scene started in 2010, when he played as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies. Over time, he developed into one of the great batters of his time with his unorthodox batting and capability to command in all weather.

Apart from his batting exploits, Smith also made contributions with the ball, picking up 28 wickets at a mean of 34.67. His performance in ODIs saw him receive several awards, including:

• Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year (2015)

What's Next for Smith?
Even though his ODI career is over, Smith's attention now turns to red-ball cricket, where he is still an integral part of the Australian Test team. With the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour, and the Ashes series on the horizon, fans can still look forward to witnessing the Australian maestro at his best.

As Australia sets its sights on a new era of ODIs, Steve Smith's legacy as a two-time World Cup champion, a fearless captain, and one of the greatest batters of his era will always be remembered in cricketing history.