As India took on New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, a poignant moment between Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli has ignited speculation about Jadeja’s potential retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
The moment in question was a heartfelt hug shared by the two teammates after Jadeja completed his impressive bowling spell.
The Moment That Sparked Speculation
During the final, Jadeja delivered an economical 10-over spell, conceding just 30 runs and claiming the crucial wicket of New Zealand skipper Tom Latham.
As he finished his bowling, Virat Kohli rushed to him and shared a warm, prolonged hug. This gesture, while common among teammates to show appreciation, has been interpreted by fans and media as possibly more than just a gesture of admiration.
The embrace has sparked widespread speculation that this could be Jadeja’s last ODI appearance, especially given his recent retirement from T20 Internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024.
Jadeja’s Career and Contributions
Ravindra Jadeja has been a stalwart of Indian cricket, contributing significantly in both Tests and ODIs.
With over 200 ODIs under his belt, Jadeja has amassed 2756 runs and taken 220 wickets, making him one of the most versatile and valuable players in the team.
His retirement from T20Is last year marked a shift towards focusing on the longer formats, but the recent speculation suggests he might be considering hanging up his boots in ODIs as well.
Retirement Rumors and Reactions
The speculation about Jadeja’s retirement is not isolated; there are also rumors surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who, like Jadeja, retired from T20Is after the World Cup.
Fans and media have been quick to react, with many taking to social media to express their thoughts on the potential end of an era for Indian cricket.
While there has been no official confirmation from Jadeja or the BCCI, the emotional moment has certainly raised questions about the future of these senior players in the ODI format.
