A Poignant Farewell Moment
Steve Smith’s ODI Farewell was an emotional hug with his toughest adversary and esteemed colleague, Virat Kohli. Smith’s quiet conversations with Kohli seemed to validate his choice to distance himself from 50-over cricket as cameras zipped in. Just a few minutes after India’s great triumph over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final, it was a symbolic retirement full of mutual respect.
Smith vs. Kohli: A Rivalry Defined by Excellence
For more than ten years, Smith and Kohli have dominated international cricket and established standards for brilliance. With Smith playing more ODIs against India than any other team (30 matches, 28 with Kohli), their fights on the field have helped to define current cricket.
Despite his consistent performances against India, Smith couldn’t take Australia over the line in his farewell game. His 73-run knock showcased his signature class—manipulating fields, setting the tempo, and leading from the front. Yet, an uncharacteristic slog brought his innings to an end, leaving Australia short in their chase.
Smith’s ODI Dominance Against India
Smith’s stats against India reflect his white-ball brilliance:
- 1383 ODI runs against India in just 26 innings (Avg: 53.19)
- 5 centuries (more than against any other team)
- Only two centuries against England in 40 innings
His most iconic ODI performance came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final, where his 105 at SCG derailed India’s title defense. That tournament cemented Smith’s rise as a batting giant, following his dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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The Beginning: Smith vs. Kohli’s First ODI Battle
Beginning in 2010 at Visakhapatnam, a game in which Smith neither bathed nor made a major ball contribution, his ODI path against India started. Conversely, a younger Virat Kohli scored his third ODI century with a match-winning innings.
At that time, Kohli was under slight pressure due to inconsistent form, while Smith was still an unpolished all-rounder. This match laid the foundation for an intense rivalry that would span more than a decade across all formats.
Smith’s Underrated ODI Brilliance
While Smith has always been recognized as a Test cricket maestro, his ODI numbers are still impressive:
- ODI Career Average: 43.28
- Strike Rate: 86.96
- Three Consecutive Centuries Against India in 2020
His back-to-back 62-ball centuries in Sydney in 2020 and his 131 in Bengaluru showcased his rare ability to shift gears in ODIs. Yet, due to his specific role in the Australian setup, Smith never consistently tapped into his aggressive white-ball potential.
The 2023 World Cup & A Bittersweet Ending
Smith’s final World Cup appearance was far from his best. In the 2023 World Cup final, he walked off after a controversial LBW decision for just 4 runs, a moment that gave Indian fans hope of reclaiming the trophy. However, Travis Head ensured that Australia triumphed that night.
But in Dubai, India found a way to stop both Head and Smith, officially bringing an end to Smith’s ODI career.
A Farewell in the Arms of a Rival
Steve Smith’s ODI Farewell in Kohli’s arms was a fitting tribute to a career that saw him torment Indian teams repeatedly. While Smith the Test batter will always be held in legendary status, Indian cricket will certainly breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won’t have to face Smith the ODI player again.
