Steve Smith’s retirement from ODI cricket was marked by a heartwarming moment with Virat Kohli after the India-Australia semifinal in Dubai. The two iconic right-handers, who have been both rivals and friends on the field, shared a touching embrace as Smith leaned on Kohli’s shoulder. Despite his efforts in the match, where he scored 73 runs, Smith couldn’t secure a win for Australia against their arch-nemeses. Throughout his ODI career, Smith had a significant impact against India, scoring 1383 runs in 26 innings. His maiden ODI century against India in 2015 was a standout performance that showcased his white-ball genius. Despite not being considered one of the best ODI players of his generation, Smith’s numbers against India were impressive. The enduring battle between Kohli and Smith in ODIs began in 2010, setting the stage for a rivalry that would captivate cricket fans. While Kohli’s ODI record is unmatched, Smith’s contributions to Australia’s white-ball cricket cannot be overlooked. His retirement marks the end of an era for ODI cricket, with Smith leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered. They encountered two separate tours, but his remarkable back-to-back centuries in Sydney in late 2020, following his impressive performance in Bengaluru earlier that year, showcased his exceptional talent in white-ball cricket. Despite his defined role in the team, he demonstrated his elite batting skills. Although Steve Smith may not be as revered in ODIs as he is in Test cricket, Indian teams will be relieved to see him depart. The memory of Smith’s dismissal in the 2023 World Cup final, where he chose not to review a contentious LBW decision, still lingers. However, India managed to contain him in his final ODI match, symbolically ending his career in the arms of Virat Kohli. This victory over Smith signifies a new chapter for Indian cricket as they continue to evolve and succeed.
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