5 Cricketers Who Retired At Very Young Age

Retirement is a tough ask, much like chasing a daunting total. Even the best struggle to decide on calling time on their career. More so, because, they have given it their all to the game. It is often said that, retiring at a time when you can still perform and carry the burden of the team on your shoulder is better, than retiring at a time when you become a baggage for them.

Incidentally, in the past, many cricketers have retired at a very early age. An age when most cricketers mature. In today’s segment, let us look at five such cricketers, who retired at a very early age.

1. Tatenda Taibu – 29 Years

Tatenda Taibu, a mainstay in the Zimbabwe batting line-up, retired at the age of 29. He was the flag-bearer for Zimbabwe for a long time and retired to focus working for the church. Taibu, at 21, became the youngest to captain a Test team. The wicket-keeper batsman played 28 Tests, 150 ODIs and 17 T20Is; and averaged around 30 across formats.

His career span was of 11 years and also represented Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Besides, being the youngest Test captain ever, he was also the second most successful wicket-keeper for Zimbabwe after Andy Flower.

2. Craig Kieswetter – 27 Years

Craig Kieswetter retired at the age of 27 due to an eye injury. He was always an give it all or noting kind of player for England. He was the man-of-the-match in the final for 2010 T20 World Cup against Australia. Kieswetter was reportedly struck in the face when a ball went between his helmet when playing against Northamptonshire to break his nose and further damaging his eye socket.

The wicket-keeper batsman represented England in 46 ODIs and 25 T20Is. After being struck, he returned to play cricket, but could not carry too long due to scars and effects of the injuries.

3. James Taylor – 26 Years

England batsman James Taylor was forced to retire at 26 due to a serious heart condition. “Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life! My world is upside down. But I’m here to stay and I’m battling on!”, James Taylor had said on social media while announcing his retirement along with his picture from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Taylor scored 887 runs at a solid average of 42 in the ODIs. He also played seven Tests for the English side, scoring 312 runs, at an average of 26.

4. Zafar Ansari – 25 Years

England all-rounder Zafar Ansari, who also piled his trade for Surrey, announced his retirement at the age of 25. On announcing his retirement, which came as a surprise, the youngster said he had plans away from cricket. Ansari only featured in a solitary ODI and three Tests for his national team. He did not contribute too much to talk about for England.

5. Beau Casson – 28 Years

Beau Casson, who played a solitary Test for Australia, was forced to retire at the age of 28 due to a heart condition. His only Test appearance came against the West Indies, besides which, the chinaman played 53 first-class matches. According to a report in espncricinfo, Casson has a heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot, for which he required surgery at a very young age.