Five players who might have to quit one format to prolong their careers

Recently, England all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI following the first ODI against South Africa. He cited the lack of fitness and packed schedule which compelled him to retire from the format. Cricketer-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain claimed that too much cricket forced the 2019 World Cup winner to retire.

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Looking deeply at it, the former England skipper is not wrong after all. Since the game resumed after the COVID 19 outbreak, cricket boards have been organizing a lot of series all of a sudden. One could suggest that the financial losses in the four to five-month period might have compelled them to take such steps. Meanwhile, it could also mean that more players could take such steps in the future.

Five players who might retire from one format

Trent Boult ( Image Credit: Twitter)

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1. Trent Boult

The left-arm pacer has been in all forms of the game for New Zealand since late 2011. In the last few years, he has been the spearhead of the bowling attack for the Kiwis across formats. On July 22, he will be turning 33 and might head towards where he would need to maintain himself differently in the fitness department.

It is difficult to determine which format he needs to quit. However, with the amount of cricket to be played in the future, he would need to quit at least one format to prolong his playing career. 

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Shakib Al Hasan: (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)

2. Shakib Al Hasan

The all-rounder has been the star player for Bangladesh in the few years. He has played 63 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 99 Tests since making his international debut in 2007. The left-handed all-rounder is also a hot property in franchise leagues across the globe.

Recently, he has been missing games due to various reasons. Also, Bangladesh Cricket Board hasn't given him the Test cricket contract. This could be a reason he could give up the format in the near future. 

Kane Williamson ( Image Credit: Twitter)

3. Kane Williamson

The New Zealand skipper across formats is one of the greatest batters in the modern era. The right-hander averages 52.62 in Tests and 47.62 in ODIs. However, he is struggling with the bat and missing games due to recurring elbow trouble.

In the last one and a half years or so, he has been struggling with the bat and is due for a big score across formats. With the kind of injury he has, it is determined which format he needs to give up. With the kind of player he is, he might give up T20I cricket after this year's 20-20 World Cup. 

Steve Smith ( Image Credit: Twitter)

4. Steve Smith

The player who started as a T20 specialist, he has become one of the great long-format players in the modern era. The former Australian skipper averages 60 in Tests and 43.29 in ODIs. However, over the years, his T20 game has gone down.

In 57 T20Is, he averages only 26.51 which suggests that he doesn't have a place in a T20 playing XI. Also, this year, he went unsold in the Indian T20 League 2022 auction which suggests that he might have to quit the shortest form of the game. 

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

5. Virat Kohli

There was a time when he dominated all forms of the game for India. He averaged more than 50 in all formats. However, in the last few years, things have changed. With his form dipped in the recent times and the demands of T20I cricket, he might have to give up the format.

Also, a lot of players are coming in who can play T20I cricket the way it needs to be played. Also, the kind of batting style he has, it would be of a great interest in him and the team that he plays ODI and Tests.