Cricketer's missed farewells: 11 players who deserved a final match

Sweat, determination, hard work, the attitude to never give up, and the willingness to contribute to the upliftment of the sport. These are a few terms that are usually associated with legends. Legends like Adam Gilchrist, Sachin Tendulkar, Rick Ponting, Sir Viv Richards. They went on to cement their name in history books because they served the sport. Since the inclusion of limited-overs cricket, the level of the sport has been increasing substantially. The players have lifted the bar and have been the inspiration for many youngsters. Adding on, they have maintained the spirit of the game as well. This is the sign of a true champion. But, not every superstar of the game has received a fairy tale ending. Sometimes, destiny has painful plans for them. On some occasions, these superstars decide to pass the baton to the younger generation, even during their prime time. Here are 11 legendary cricketers who deserved a farewell match: 1. Shivnarine Chanderpaul Shivnarine Chanderpaul. (Source - Getty Images) Few fans might experience nostalgia when they read the name 'Shivnarine Chanderpaul'. For most of his career, he has been West Indies’ saviour. Although he played under the shadows of the great Brian Lara, Shivnarine will go down as one of the greatest in the game. He played 164 Test matches for the West Indies. During his career, he scored 11867 runs for his side and scored 30 centuries. Apart from that, he played 268 ODIs for West Indies and scored 8778 runs. With eleven centuries to his name, he is one of the most prolific batsmen in history. Shivnarine played the last game of his career in 2015. This was against England which the West Indies won by 5 wickets. But, this was not his farewell game. Even though he deserved a farewell game, Shivnarine never got one. 2. Daniel Vettori Daniel Vettori. (Source - Getty Images) Daniel Vettori was the face of New Zealand cricket during the decade of the 2000s. Just like a nerdy student, he had an excellent mind. He could analyze the situation and play according to it. He is the one who took the reins from Fleming to make a stronger New Zealand side. Vettori has played 113 Test matches for New Zealand so far. With an average of 30.01, he was a useful all-rounder. Talking about ODIs, Vettori has played 295 ODIs and has scored 2253 runs. Vettori has picked 362 wickets in Test matches and 305 wickets in ODIs. In 2015, Vettori was a member of the famous Kiwi squad that went on to reach the finals of the ODI World Cup. But, a batting order collapse early on in the final meant that the Kiwis were unable to set up a commendable target. This turned out to be the last match for the iconic Kiwi player. 3. Yuvraj Singh Yuvraj Singh. (Photo by Satish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Yuvraj Singh is more of a limited-overs legend. He was a regular member of the limited-overs squad and occupied the iconic number four position for Team India. Singh was a terrific fielder as well. And, he was the Man of the Tournament during the ICC World Cup in 2011. Singh played 304 ODIs in his career and scored 8,701 runs. During his career, he picked up 111 wickets for the team. In T20Is, he played 58 games and scored 1,177 runs. Talking about his bowling, he picked 28 wickets in the shortest format of the game. The most iconic phase of Singh’s career was winning the World Cup while fighting cancer. He was nurtured under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly and became one of the senior members under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. But, he announced his retirement as newcomers became proven performers. The fans could not witness Yuvraj in a farewell game. Also Check: Top 10 cricketers who faded away from International Cricket 4. Zaheer Khan Zaheer Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter) Before India became a pace bowling powerhouse, there was a scarcity of premier fast bowlers in the country. The team needed a bowler who could be termed as a frontline pacer. Well, Zaheer Khan became the frontline pacer for the team. Adding on, he was in the form of his life during the 2011 World Cup. He was the joint highest wicket-taker along with Shahid Afridi. Zaheer managed to pick up crucial wickets for his captain and managed to become one of the most economical bowlers on the team. He has picked 311 wickets in Test matches and 282 wickets in ODIs. Even though fitness and injuries did hinder his career, Zaheer managed to overcome them. He even went to a fitness academy in France to regain his fitness. As we have already discussed the “attitude to never give up”, Zaheer is the perfect example. He played his last international in a Test match at Basin Reserve in 2014. But, he never got to say goodbye to this wonderful sport properly. 5. Virender Sehwag Virender Sehwag. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) “Fearless” is a word that would suit Virender Sehwag perfectly. He dominated world cricket at the top order with ease. He is a batter who would never back down from any challenge. His highest scores of 319 in Test cricket and 219 in ODIs are a perfect example of how fearlessness can result in success. Sehwag has played 104 Test matches for India. During his time as the opener, he scored 23 centuries and 8,586 runs for the team. Sehwag could go after the bowling from the first over itself. This is a rare talent for any batter. Apart from his batting, he was well known for having a knack for picking wickets as a part-timer. Yes, as a part-timer, he has produced a few match-winning spells. The best bowling figures of 4/6 in ODIs showcase that. However, poor form and the rise of Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan meant that he was benched and later dropped. After a few years, he announced his retirement from the game. Also Check: Top 10 Autobiographies of legendary Cricketers 6. Hashim Amla JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 11: Hashim Amla of the Proteas. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images) Hashim Amla was a part of the strong South African side that went on to dominate world cricket. He was an opener on some occasions or a top-order batsman who could score with ease. He waited for the poor balls and punished them mercilessly. Amla has played 124 Test matches and 181 ODIs for South Africa. He scored 9,282 runs with an average of 46.41. In ODIs, he had an average of 49.47. In Test cricket, he had the highest score of 311 runs, this innings made him the first South African to score a triple century. A modest cricketer, Amla is an inspiration to many. His approach to the game was simple but highly effective. He had an impressive strike rate of 141.77 in the IPL too. This showcases his versatility. Even though he was unable to get a perfect farewell, he is one of the greats of the modern era. 7. Wasim Akram Wasim Akram. (Source - Getty Images) Reverse swing is a word that would come to mind when one hears the name, Wasim Akram. He is the former captain of the Pakistan Cricket team and one of the greatest of all time. Akram played 104 Test matches in his career and picked 414 wickets. Incredibly enough, he could reverse swing the ball and unsettle the batter. Adding on, he was one of the vital members of the 1992 World Cup-winning side. Akram was not just a fantastic bowler, he was a decent lower-order batter as well. In Test cricket, he scored 2,898 runs with the highest score of 257. In ODIs, he had the highest score of 86. Akram’s last test match was cancelled without a ball being bowled. Well, all the fans would have liked to see him terrify the batters in a farewell game. Also Check: Top 10 funny names in international and domestic cricket 8. Matthew Hayden Matthew Hayden. (Source - Getty Images) The big-hitter Matthew Hayden was a part of Ricky Ponting's squad that went on to dominate World Cricket ruthlessly. A big man with a terrifying look, Hayden used to bully the bowlers with his performances with the bat. Apart from that, when he sets his eyes on the conditions, it is nearly impossible to stop him. We all do remember Hayden’s iconic Mongoose bat and his famous “walking down the pitch” shot against the pacers. In 103 Test matches, he scored 8625 runs with an average of 50.74. Apart from that, he has the highest score of 380 runs in his Test career. In ODIs, he formed a formidable opening partnership with Adam Gilchrist. Although both of them were left-handed, they were so destructive that the bowlers were terrified of them. Hayden last played a Test match in 2009. Because of his poor form during the latter stage of his career, he was dropped from the squad. He never got a farewell game. 9. MS Dhoni MS Dhoni batting. (Photo Source: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images) With 3 ICC Trophies to his name, MS Dhoni is easily India’s best captain ever. He was able to form a solid side in 2011 that went on to win the World Cup. Apart from that, he lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013. The rise of this wicketkeeper-batter began when he managed to win the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Dhoni has played 90 Test matches for India. With the highest score of 224 in Test cricket, he was a decent player. But in the limited-overs format, he is a beast. Dhoni averages 50.58 in ODIs and 40.25 in IPL. With 10,773 runs in ODIs, he is one of the most iconic batsmen in the limited-overs format. He is well known for giving chances to the youngsters. Under his captaincy, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shikhar Dhawan became the players they are now. He played his last game in the 2019 World Cup. He was short of his crease as Martin Guptill ran him out. The iconic Indian captain was never given a perfect farewell game. Also Check: Ranking top 10 male cricketers who always got overshadowed 10. AB de Villiers AB de Villiers. (Source - Getty Images) The prolific South African batter comes at the first spot on this list because of his abilities. During his playing days, AB de Villiers was one of the most complete batters in the game. Besides, he rescued RCB on several occasions when the team was in despair. Well, he deserved to play for a few more years for South Africa. ABD has played 114 Test matches for South Africa so far. With 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, he handled the middle order. Apart from his batting, he guarded the wickets as well. This meant his captain could play an extra bowler if needed. De Villiers has played 228 ODIs as well. He was part of a thrilling 2015 ICC World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand. De Villiers did stumble, but still, he is a fan favourite. He played his last game against India at SuperSport Park in 2018. But, the superstar never received a farewell game. 11. Shikhar Dhawan Shikhar Dhawan. (Source - Getty Images) India's flamboyant batter Shikhar Dhawan decided to bid adieu to international and domestic cricket on (Saturday) August 24, 2024. The dashing southpaw informed the fans and the cricket fraternity about his decision through a social media post via his official handle. Notably, Dhawan last played a game in the IPL 2024 for Punjab Kings back in April. However, due to sustaining injury, he got ruled out after playing a couple of games. Speaking of his cricket career, the Delhi-based batter announced his arrival by smacking an explosive century (187-run knock) on his Test debut in 2013. Apart from that, the batter continued to score with consistency in phases in the limited overs format as he has seen ups and downs trajectories during his career. Also Check: Top 10 weird celebrations in cricket history In totality, Shikhar Dhawan made 269 appearances for India across the formats, where he scored 24 centuries. In the ODI format, the left-hander featured in 167 ODIs whereby he accumulated 6,793 runs with a decent average of 44.11. During these many games, the batter maintained a strike rate of 91.35. He last played an ODI for India against Bangladesh in December in the year 2022. Hence he surely deserved a proper farewell game for a player of his calibre.

Cricketer's missed farewells: 11 players who deserved a final match

Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday, August 24.

9. MS Dhoni