Top 10 retirements from international cricket in 2017

2. Ashish Nehra

No number of injuries could bog Ashish Nehra down

In an interview on a popular online talk show, Ashish Nehra claimed that he underwent 12 surgeries during his career. In his view, injuries couldn't keep him down, as there is no bigger motivation than playing for India. That in a nutshell sums up why 'Nehraji' is adored so much.

Armed with genuine pace and the ability to move the ball, Nehra was an absolute nightmare for batsmen when on song. His attributes were on full show during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa where he bowled that famous spell of 6/23 versus England.

Injuries to his back and his ankle kept the 38-year old on the sidelines between 2005 and 2009. A successful comeback thereafter led to his inclusion in Indian team for the 2011 World Cup where he played a vital role in India's semi-final win over Pakistan. An injury picked up in that game meant more time on the sidelines for him and it seemed as if his career was destined for an unceremonious finish.

However, the Delhi bowler scripted a dream T20I comeback in 2016 on the back of an impressive IPL. After his retirement last month, Nehraji has pursued an active commentary career and one can only hope that he continues to entertain for years to come.