India will sigh a relief as Steve Smith retires from ODIs

Steve Smith's ODI Retirement: A Relief for India

Steve Smith's final act as an ODI cricketer was a poignant moment, as he leaned on Virat Kohli's shoulder and stayed there for a couple of seconds, whispering some words into his ear. This moment came minutes after the intense celebrations in the Indian camp, led by a very animated Kohli, after they'd overcome the Australian hurdle to make the Champions Trophy final.

A Legacy of Dominance

Smith played more 50-over matches against Kohli than any other opposition player, 28 in all, of the 30 he appeared in overall against India. His innings of 73 on a slow pitch was trademark Smith, manipulating the fields and setting the tempo for his team. Despite not being considered one of the best ODI players of his generation, Smith was dreaded by the best ODI team of his generation.

A Masterful Knock

Smith's most significant knock was his maiden ODI century against the Indians, on his home-ground at the SCG, to thwart India's progress in the 2015 World Cup. This masterful knock set up the semi-final win at the back end of a home summer where he'd lorded over India with the bat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

A Relieved India

India will rest easy and be relieved to see the back of Smith. His ODI retirement marks the end of an era, and his departure will be felt by the Indian team. Smith's inability to see Australia home in what would have been his final encounter versus his arch-nemesis, Kohli, was a fitting end to his ODI career.