David Warner, one of cricket's greatest batters, officially retired from international cricket following Australia's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The disappointment came as Australia failed to advance past the Super 8 stage, needing a Bangladesh victory over Afghanistan to stay in contention, which didn't materialise.
Warner had previously announced that the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies would mark his final appearance for Australia. His international career phased out gradually, concluding with his last ODI during Australia's victorious 2023 campaign in India and his final Test match against Pakistan in early 2024.
Renowned for his explosive batting, Warner made a memorable T20I debut with 89 runs off 43 balls against South Africa. In 110 matches, he amassed 3277 runs, including a century against Pakistan in 2019, making him only the third Australian to achieve centuries in all three formats of the game, alongside 28 half-centuries.
Beyond international cricket, Warner excelled in franchise T20 leagues, notably the IPL, where he crossed the 10,000-run mark in 2021, becoming just the fourth batter to achieve this milestone.
Reflecting on Warner's illustrious career, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting praised his impact across formats: "He should be very proud of what he's done. I've played with him, coached him in the IPL, and I've always enjoyed his company."
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood also acknowledged Warner's retirement, noting, "We'll definitely miss him around the group, both on and off the field. It's always different losing a player who's been such a fixture for so long."
Warner's departure marks the end of an era in Australian cricket, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and unforgettable performances across all forms of the game.