Sources: 
Indian cricket is witnessing a shift in how retirements are perceived, with players like
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continuing to participate in One Day Internationals (ODIs) even after announcing their retirements. This trend
softens the finality traditionally associated with a player's exit from the sport.
In earlier times, retirements were definitive moments. Fans knew when a player was playing their last match, creating a sense of closure and celebration. The retirement of
Sachin Tendulkar exemplified this, marked by a special two-match series hosted at his Mumbai home ground, with the West Indian team flying in to honor him.
The current scenario contrasts sharply with this tradition. The ongoing participation of Kohli and Sharma in ODIs after announcing retirement dilutes the impact of their departure, making it less of a definitive farewell and more of a gradual transition.
This phenomenon is not entirely new; Adam Gilchrist's shock retirement announcement during the Adelaide Test against India in 2008 was an early example of unexpected retirements. However, the current trend of continuing to play post-retirement announcement is unique to the modern era of cricket, influenced by the proliferation of media and streaming platforms.
As one observer noted, "
Kohli and Sharma, for instance, will continue to play ODIs. That dilutes the finality of the retirement moment, softens the blow." This reflects a broader change in how cricket careers are winding down, with retirements becoming less abrupt and more extended.
The evolution in retirement culture highlights the changing dynamics of Indian cricket, where the emotional weight of a player's final game is now shared over a longer period, altering the traditional narrative of cricket farewells.
Sources: Indian cricket retirements have lost their finality as stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue playing ODIs post-retirement announcements, softening the impact. This contrasts with past eras when retirements were definitive, exemplified by Sachin Tendulkar's grand farewell and Adam Gilchrist's mid-match exit.