Latest Cricket News

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has witnessed several iconic Indian cricketers bidding adieu to Test cricket over the years. Legends like Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid have all played their final Test matches during or after this prestigious series, marking the end of illustrious careers. 

As the 2024 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, with the opening Test scheduled for November 22 in Perth, there is added pressure on several key players to perform. Following India’s 3-0 defeat to New Zealand at home, the team has slipped to second place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. With four Tests to play in Australia, India must win the series to secure a spot in the WTC final.

Amidst the pressure, senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have come under scrutiny for their recent performances. Rohit scored just 91 runs in six innings against New Zealand, while Kohli managed only 93 runs. Rohit, who will miss the first Test in Perth due to personal reasons, has four more matches to prove his worth in the longer format.

For stalwarts like Ravichandran Ashwin, 38, and Ravindra Jadeja, 35, this could be one of their final chances to face Australia in Test cricket. Over the years, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has also seen the careers of several Indian cricket legends come to an end, often with the series serving as the backdrop to their swan songs. Here’s a look back at some of these iconic farewells:

1. Anil Kumble

India’s all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests, Anil Kumble, retired during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He played his final match in the third Test in Delhi, which ended in a draw. With 619 wickets from 132 matches, Kumble's farewell was symbolic, as MS Dhoni took over as captain for the fourth Test. India went on to win the series 2-0, marking a fitting conclusion to Kumble's distinguished career.

2. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly’s final Test appearance came in Nagpur during the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In a dramatic conclusion, Ganguly scored 85 in the first innings but was dismissed for a duck in the second. Despite this, India triumphed by 172 runs. Ganguly retired with a remarkable tally of 7,212 runs from 113 Tests, which included 16 centuries. His leadership of the Indian team had already changed the face of Indian cricket.

3. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, one of India’s finest batsmen, played his last Test in the 2011-12 series in Australia. His final appearance came at Adelaide, where he posted modest scores in both innings, as India suffered a 4-0 series loss. Dravid's remarkable Test career ended with 13,288 runs in 164 Tests, averaging 52.31 and including 36 centuries. He remains a key figure in the history of Indian cricket for his elegance and composure under pressure.

4. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman, famous for his stylish stroke play and the unforgettable 2001 Kolkata Test innings, also called time on his Test career during the 2012 series in Australia. Like Dravid, Laxman’s final Test was in Adelaide, where he scored 18 and 35. Laxman finished his career with 8,781 runs from 134 Tests, including 17 centuries. His graceful batting made him one of the most revered Indian players of his era.

5. Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag, the master of aggressive and fearless batting, played his last Test match during the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Hyderabad. Although Sehwag could only muster six runs in his final innings, his legacy as one of the most explosive openers in Test cricket remains intact. Sehwag’s career statistics include 8,586 runs in 104 Tests, with two triple centuries to his name, making him one of the greatest to ever play the game.

6. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from Test cricket during the 2014 series in Australia shocked the cricketing world. After the Melbourne Test, Dhoni stepped down, leaving behind a legacy as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in history. In his 90 Tests, Dhoni scored 4,876 runs, including six centuries, and was instrumental in India’s triumph in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

As the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, these past farewells serve as a reminder of the high stakes and the emotional resonance that the series holds for Indian cricket fans. For the current crop of players, the series may not only be about defending pride but also ensuring that their own legacies are secured in the history books.