‘Certified Legend, Thank You Smudge’-Here’s How Fans Reacted To Steve Smith’s ODI Retirement

Australian cricketing legend Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following Australia’s exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The unexpected decision has left fans in disbelief, with social media flooded with emotional reactions, tributes, and nostalgia for one of the finest batters of this generation.

Smith, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s two World Cup triumphs, ended his ODI career with 12 centuries and a reputation as one of the most technically gifted players of his time. His retirement marks the end of an era, joining the list of recent cricketing greats who have stepped away from the format.

Kohli knew it before everyone else That’s why he hugged Steve Smith so hard and talked to him

Happy Retirement Smith ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5oxgfxYlsJ

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— Kevin (@imkevin149) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODIs after the exit from ICC Champions Trophy 2025💔
End of an era💛 pic.twitter.com/GFulvffkgk

— Surya (@Surya_AK07) March 5, 2025

As soon as the news broke, fans took to social media to express their admiration and sadness. One user wrote, “Kohli knew it before everyone else! That’s why he hugged Steve Smith so hard and talked to him. Happy Retirement, Smith.” Others reflected on the growing list of retirements, noting, “Dhawan, Finch, De Kock, Warner, Boult, Shakib, Stokes, Southee, and now Steve Smith. Few more are yet to come.”

Dhawan, Finch, De kock, Warner, Boult, Shakib, Stokes, Southee, Steve Smith

few more are yet to come 💔 pic.twitter.com/f2ANWmaDDS

— . (@SiddheartHere) March 5, 2025

Many users paid tribute to Smith’s remarkable ODI career. One post read, “The GOAT @stevesmith49 has announced his retirement. Thank you for every breathtaking knock and unforgettable moment. Wishing you a wonderful journey ahead.” Another fan recalled Smith’s transformation from a bowling all-rounder to a batting stalwart, saying, “One of the greatest of my generation in ODIs. He came as a bowler and later showed the world his magic with the bat. Thank you, Steve.”

Steve Smith retires from ODI

Thank you Smudge for all the memories ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/KnDCeG4l9l

— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) March 5, 2025

Who would’ve thought yesterday was last time he played in the one day format?
Steve Smith calls time on his One day career.
Thank you for Everything Smudge❤ pic.twitter.com/MPSQt4Tkgv

— Max Cady From Cape Fear (@patrikbateman62) March 5, 2025

Thanks STEVE SMITH

World Cricket always remember you

Happy Retirement (ODI Cricket) 💔#ChampionsTrophy2025 #INDvAUS #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/Dt7wdqh9Cc

— Tamal Dass (@DassBabai) March 5, 2025

The overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude for Smith’s contributions to Australian cricket and world cricket at large. A widely shared message summed it up: “Thank you, Smudge, for all the memories. World cricket will always remember you.”

Happy retirement from ODIs to a certified legend – STEVE SMITH. pic.twitter.com/4uxiLgByM2

— Prasanna Balakrishnan (@PrasannaBalakr2) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith’s retirement from ODIs may have come as a shock, but his legacy as a cricketing icon remains untarnished. As the cricketing world bids farewell to one of the game’s finest ODI players, fans will forever cherish the countless moments of brilliance he delivered on the field.

ALSO READ: Steve Smith Retires: Here’s A Look At His Top Five ODI Centuries