5 cricketers to get the most emotional farewells in the 21st century

Modified Sep 26, 2018 14:16 IST

Retiring opening batsman for Australia, Justin Langer (L), retiring pace bowler Glenn McGrath (C), and retiring spin bowler Shane Warne (R) display the Ashes trophy with their children after winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 05 January 2007

#2 Brendon McCullum

New Zealand v Australia

Brendon McCullum was New Zealand's finest wicket keeper and a legendary batsman.

The 36-year-old was a top order batsman and extremely explosive. The Kiwi player favoured the leg side and used to score runs with brisk speed as he used to come out all guns blazing right from the word go. Any cricket fan can not forget his unbeaten knock of 158 for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League. This knock against Royal Challengers Bangalore included as many as 13 sixes and it still considered one of the finest in the history of the IPL.

McCullum was brash and ruthless towards the bowlers. He thrashed the best in the business to all sides of the park. The former Kiwi captain led his team to their maiden World Cup final in 2015. His 6083 runs make him the 4th highest run-getter for New Zealand in ODIs and he is highest on their list of sixes with 200 maximums.

The Kiwi can still be seen in action in T20 leagues around the World. The aggressive player made his ODI debut against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 17, 2002. He bid adieu to the game and played his last Test for the national side against Australia at the Hagley Oval on February 20, 2016. Brendon McCullum scored 100 off 54 balls in his last Test match and that makes him the record holder for the fastest century in Tests.