Cricket News

‘Shocking decision. Great player and entertainer’- Fans react as David Warner announces retirement from ODIs

That David Warner would retire from Test cricket after the upcoming SCG Test against Pakistan was known to everyone. Still, the opener has stunned fans and pundits alike by declaring that he is also calling time on his one-day international career. This means that the charismatic southpaw’s last ODI was the Final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in which Australia got the better of India. His decision brings down the curtain on a 14-year career studded with fiery knocks and memorable moments.

“I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well. That was something that I had said through the World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that’s a massive achievement,” he said, earlier this morning.

Warner amassed 6,932 runs at an impressive average of 45.30 in 161 ODIs, his bat whispering sweet symphonies with every audacious drive and thunderous six. He was part of two World Cup triumphs, in 2015 and 2023. More than stats, Warner’s legacy lies in redefining the opener’s role. He wasn’t just a blocker but a predator, tearing into bowling attacks from the get-go. His infectious swagger and audacious strokeplay changed the game’s tempo, injecting an electric spark into every inning.

At 37, Warner believes that it is the right time for Australia to make a transition in the format and that it would also allow him to feature in leagues around the world. “It will allow me to go and play some other leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit,” he said.

“I’m going to be available”

However, Warner’s retirement from ODIs doesn’t signal the end. He is looking forward to playing in the T20 World Cup next year and perhaps, the 2025 Champions Trophy, if required. “I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up. If I’m playing decent cricket in two years’ time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” he added.

Here’s how ‘X-verse’ reacted to the news:

One of the legend of Australian cricket team, wishing him a great future pic.twitter.com/9Amd22p0od

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) January 1, 2024

The impact he's had in the game is priceless. All the lows he's hit & the way he keeps coming back. It's never been a flawless journey but that's the best he rises into that jump after every fall.
It's not yet announced but hope he does bow out of international cricket after… pic.twitter.com/HNWJpC2IGE

— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) January 1, 2024

This is a shocking decision! I think he wants to concentrate on playing T20 World Cup for Australia.

— Shumaila Tanveer (@shumaila56_) January 1, 2024

One of the greatest opener of this generation

— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) January 1, 2024

https://twitter.com/RiseAndShineWLD/status/1741637785147343112

Why he is taking retirement from ODI?
Any specific reasons for this decision?

— Shaista Shahzad (@shaista_cheema) January 1, 2024

He's truly been one of the best in the format. Thank you so much, Davey, for all the incredible moments you've given us!

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) January 1, 2024

Isn’t he hinting about playing more games just last month 😶‍🌫️

Great player and entertainer!

— Mr. Ånand (@Astrodevil_) January 1, 2024