The competition is extreme in sports globally. Hundred and thousands of athletes compete to play for their country but not everyone can achieve their goals. Only a few can reach the stage but unfortunately many among them retire due to unforeseen reasons. Apart from being physically unfit due to age, athletes retire due to injuries, mental pressure, and a lot more. Here is a list of five athletes who retired early in their careers due to personal reasons.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, retired when he was at his career's peak. He was 30 years old at that moment. It was on 6 October 1993, when he decided to retire even after being at the height of his basketball prowess. Jordan later said that he was losing his wish to play the sport. Also, he wrote in his autobiography that he was feeling exhausted to play in the Olympic team and was deciding to retire in that year only. In fact, his father's murder was a reason that impacted him. If Jordan continued playing, he could have reached some unbelievable extent of his career.

Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty stunned the tennis world after announcing her retirement on Wednesday. The World No. 1 women's tennis player took to Instagram to share her decision last Tuesday night. Withing the age of 25 years, she won 3 Grand Slams, 15 WTA Tour championships, and also has a 305-102 career record. The Australian is leading as the World No. 1 since 24 June 2019. She stated that she didn't have that enthusiasm to continue anymore. "I've said it to my team multiple times — 'I just don't have that in me anymore.' Physically, I have nothing more to give. I've given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis, and I'm really happy with that. For me, that is my success."

Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri was quite an effective player of the Indian cricket team during his time. He was one of the famous names in the cricket fraternity at that point. The former Indian head coach played 80 tests and 150 ODIs for India from 1981 to 1992. Also, he proved to be a key all-rounder and executed good skills with his left-arm spin as well. Unfortunately, Shastri had to retire at the age of 31 due to his injuries. Later, he moved on to commentary and then went ahead to coach the Indian team.

Bjorn Borg

Bjorn Borg retired from the tennis world only at the age of 26 years. He became the first tennis player to win 11 Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era between 1974 and 1981. The legend held the ATP No. 1 ranking for 109 weeks and also won 11 Grand Slams during that time. The former world No. 1 played only 1 tournament in 1982 even after staying physically fit and ended up losing in the quarter-finals. Also, he lost the final of the 1981 Wimbledon Championships. He felt at that point that his desire to play was gone. He said later, "When I lost what shocked me was I wasn't even upset. That was not me: losing a Wimbledon final and not upset. I hate to lose."

Eric Cantona

At the age of 30 years, Eric Cantona announced his retirement on 17 May 1997. The French midfielder was a legend of Manchester United. He contributed to winning 4 Premier League titles in 5 years while playing at the club. People even composed songs for the legend. Their manager Alex Ferguson also recognized him as 1 of the 4 world-class players he witnessed during his 26 years of journey in the club. He was at his peak at the time of retirement and he could have achieved a lot more but he ended his journey with 2 FA Cups and 1 FWA Player of the Year award.

The head coach of a cricket team plays a crucial part in the success of a team. The head coach not only decides the team’s strategies and game plans but takes some responsibility in selecting the playing XI.

Former left-handed Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the new Indian cricket team's head coach on 9th July 2024, Tuesday. The 42-year-old Gambhir who recently led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title as a mentor, replaced Rahul Dravid who just won the T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India.

During Gambhir’s 3.5-year stint, India will play five ICC tournaments so he would like to help India win the ODI World Cup at least once. As Gautam Gambhir is set to take charge of the Indian Cricket Team, we'll look at the Indian head coaches and their records since 2000. 

Read Also: Every World Cup-winning Indian player who became India's coach later and their stats

Indian Head Coach Record since 2000 (Full Tenures)

John Wright – 2000 to 2005

John Wright, the former New Zealand cricketer served as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team from 2000 to 2005. He was the first foreign coach to lead the Indian team. He formed a brilliant partnership with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly during the early 2000s. India couldn't win an ICC trophy but they won the Test series against Australia in 2001, some historic victories in Test matches in England and Australia, and they also reached the final of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. In 2004, India achieved a significant milestone, winning a historic Test series in Pakistan. In 2005, Wright was replaced by Greg Chappell.

Greg Chappell – 2005 to 2007

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2005 to 2007. India won a Test series in the West Indies after 35 years, won 4-1 in an ODI series against Pakistan in Pakistan, and also registered their first-ever Test victory in South Africa.

However, there were rifts within the team which were widely discussed in the media. After India’s disappointing performance in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Chappell was forced to quit the job. India were knocked out in the group stages of the ODI World Cup 2007. 

Gary Kirsten – 2008 to 2011

Gary Kirsten served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2008 to 2011. The former South African cricketer, played a huge part in India's Cricketing history, helping the side clinch the ODI World Cup after a long wait of 28 years.

Not only that but India also became the top-ranked test team for the first time in history. India won a historic test series against Australia in Australia in 2008. Kirsten’s tenure ended after the 2011 World Cup, but several talented players from his team went on to achieve so much in their cricketing careers.

Duncan Fletcher – 2011 to 2015

Former Zimbabwean cricketer, Duncan Fletcher served as the head coach from 2011 to 2015. Under his tenure, India won the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. India also reached the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. At first, it looked like they would win the trophy once again but Australia knocked them out of the competition. His contract ended after India's exit from the World Cup.

Read Also: Ajinkya Naik becomes the youngest president of Mumbai Cricket Association

Anil Kumble – 2016 to 2017

Anil Kumble served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2016 to 2017. During his tenure, India reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 but unfortunately lost to Pakistan. Anil Kumble had a good winning percentage with the team but they couldn't deliver in the important moments. After the loss against Pakistan, Ravi Shastri replaced Kumble as the new head coach of Team India.

Ravi Shastri – 2017 to 2021

Ravi Shastri served as Team India’s director from 2014 to 2016 and as head coach from 2017 to 2021. During his time as head coach, India reached the final of the 2021 World Test Championship, the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, and also won two back-to-back Test series in Australia.

There were highs and lows in Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure but they used to play aggressively in the Tests which helped them shine in the format. India were hoping to win an ICC title under Ravi Shastri but it didn't happen. They lost against the Kiwis in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. India made it to the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final but lost against the same opponent.

Rahul Dravid – 2021 to 2024

Rahul Dravid, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, became head coach of the team after Shastri’s exit in 2021. Dravid had previously coached the India under-19 and India A sides from 2016 to 2019. He served as Team India's head coach from 2021-24.

His period was very successful in the history of Indian cricket. India won almost every bilateral limited-overs series both at home and abroad under Dravid's coaching. The team reached the finals of two major global events in 2023 - the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup. However, they lost both against Australia.

But, there was a happy ending at the end of his tenure. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s Head Coach ended after India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies. India finally managed to win their second T20 World Cup title after 17 years and their first ICC title after 11 years.

No Indian bowler has picked more wickets in ODI World Cups than Mohammed Shami. He was terrific in the 2023 ODI World Cup and so was in 2019. His tally of 55 wickets is the third-highest by an Asian bowler and fifth in history. He is also the only bowler to grab four five-wicket hauls in World Cups. But, he was never the first choice for India. India played 28 matches in the last three World Cups and Shami appeared in just 18 of those games, India winning on 15 occasions.

Read Also: Suryakumar Yadav as captain: Stats and previous records

Mohammed Shami opened up about the 2019 World Cup in Shubhankar Mishra's podcast

in 2023, Shami was benched for the first four group games. In the 2019 World Cup, India were led by Virat Kohli and coached by Ravi Shastri. Shami made his first appearance in the fifth match against Afghanistan and picked up a hat-trick. Then he scalped a fifer against England in his third appearance.

Shami was rested for the final group game against Sri Lanka and the semifinal against New Zealand. Ultimately, India lost the semi-final against the Kiwis.

A well-known Journalist and YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra invited Mohammed Shami on a podcast and spoke about lots of things. Shami stated that he was shocked by the management's decision in 2019. He thought every team requires good performers, but then why was his performance overlooked despite putting on the best?

“In 2019 I did not play the first 4-5 games. In the next game, I took a hat trick, then picked up a five-wicket haul, and then four wickets in the next game. A similar happened in 2023. I did not play in the first few games and then picked a fifer, then four wickets, and then a five-wicket haul again,” he said.

“The one thing I keep wondering is every team needs players who can perform well. I took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect from me? I neither have questions nor do I have answers. I can only prove myself when I get the opportunity. You gave me a chance, and I took 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand. played four matches overall and picked 14 wickets. In 2023, I picked 24 wickets in seven matches,” he added.

In 2023, Shami was rested for the first few games. He got the opportunity to get a spot in the playing XI after Hardik Pandya was injured and ruled out. Shami proved his worth and why he deserved the opportunity in the first place by scalping 24 wickets in seven matches. It also included two fifers as Shami finished as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Former left-handed Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the new Indian cricket team's head coach on 9th July 2024, Tuesday. The 42-year-old Gambhir who recently led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title as a mentor, replaced Rahul Dravid who just won the T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India.

The former opener is the fifth Indian ODI World Cup winner to take charge of the Indian men’s cricket team as head coach. During Gambhir’s 3.5-year stint, India will play five ICC tournaments so he would like to help India win the ODI World Cup at least once.

As the 2011 World Cup-winning player Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the new head coach of Team India, it's time we look at the World Cup winners for India who coached the Indian men's team.

Read Also: Gautam Gambhir appointed as Indian Men's Cricket Team Head Coach

Every World Cup-winning Indian player who became India's coach

Sandeep Patil | 1983 World Cup Champion

Sandeep Patil was a member of the Kapil Dev-led Indian side that won the 1983 ODI World Cup in England. He was appointed as India’s head coach for the England tour (May–July) in 1996, but it didn't turn out well for him and team India. They lost both the Test and ODI series and Sandeep Patil was fired from his job immediately. England won the Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-0.

Madan Lal | 1983 World Cup Champion

Former Indian lethal pacer Madan Lal won the 1983 World Cup with the Indian team under Kapil Dev's captaincy. Madan Lal had a stint as India's national cricket coach between September 1996 and September 1997. He replaced Patil as the head coach in 1996. During his one-year stint, India defeated Australia and South Africa at home across formats and it seemed like everything would go well but then India started to crumble.

They suffered humiliating defeats against the West Indies in the Barbados Test in March 1997 under Sachin Tendulkar’s leadership. West Indies also won the ODI series by a comfortable 3-1 margin and Madan Lal's tenure as India's head coach started to go down.

Kapil Dev | 1983 World Cup Champion

The 1983 World Cup-winning team captain and legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev became India’s head coach in 1999. It was a match made in heaven on paper but didn't turn out well. India suffered humiliating defeats against Australia and South Africa in the Test series. Not only India were playing poorly at that time, but there were some shocking allegations against Kapil Dev too. He was accused of throwing away a match against Pakistan, and due to pressure, he had to resign from his position on 12 September 2000.

Ravi Shastri | 1983 World Cup Champion

Ravi Shastri was a prime member of Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup-winning team. He served as Team India’s director from 2014 to 2016 and as head coach from 2017 to 2021. During his time as head coach, India reached the final of the 2021 World Test Championship, the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, and also won two back-to-back Test series in Australia.

There were highs and lows in Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure but they used to play aggressively in the Tests which helped them shine in the format. India were hoping to win an ICC title under Ravi Shastri but it didn't happen. They lost against the Kiwis in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. India made it to the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final but lost against the same opponent.

Ravi Shastri as head coach:

Tests: 43 matches, 25 wins
ODIs: 76 matches, 51 wins
T20Is: 65 matches, 42 wins 

The Indian Team in Test format under Ravi Shastri

Gautam Gambhir | 2011 World Cup Champion

Gautam Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the T20 World Cup in 2007. In both the ICC finals, he was the top scorer for the MS Dhoni-led side. He also served as India’s captain in six ODIs and won all of them. He was a solid left-handed opening batter who gave his everything as a player to the Indian Team. He was appointed as India’s head coach on July 9, 2024, and will remain in charge till December 2027.

The Championships, Wimbledon was first played in 1877, since then it has become an integral part of the tennis calendar. Throughout its years, Wimbledon has seen countless iconic moments and Wimbledon winners. We take a look at some of the most Wimbledon Titles winner list in the Open Era in the men's singles competition, including some of their record-breaking titles. 

Also Read: Oldest Grand Slam Champion | Top 10 List

Most Wimbledon Titles

#5 John McEnroe | 3 Titles

John McEnroe, an American former professional tennis player won three Wimbledon titles (1981, 1983 and 1984). He is one of the most iconic tennis players of all time for both his brilliance and controversy on and off the court.

McEnroe won seven Grand Slams throughout his career. He claimed the title in four US Opens, winning the tournament three times in a row from 1979 to 1981 before regaining his crown in 1984. The American’s dominance over that five-year period saw him become one of the most decorated men’s singles players ever. 

#4 Björn Borg | 5 Titles

Swedish tennis player Bjorn Borg won five Wimbledon titles in his career. He was one of the finest competitors of the modern era. Bjorn won five consecutive Wimbledons, from 1976 to 1980. In the 1976 final, Borg defeated IIie Nastase in straight sets. In 1977, he defeated Jimmy Connors to lift the trophy for the second time. For his third and fourth Wimbledon titles, he defeated Jimmy Connors and Roscoe Tanners respectively. By winning the final against archrival John Mcroe 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 8-6 in 1980, Borg won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon.

Also Read: Youngest Grand Slam Champion (Men) | Top 10 List

#3 Novak Djokovic | 7 Titles

Whilst Federer may be the king of grass and boasts the most Wimbledon Gentlemen’s singles titles, Novak Djokovic is hot on his tail with 7 titles, just one less than Federer. With Federer now retired, so 2024 is the year that Federer’s record is equalled? 

Djokovic has taken the record for the most Grand Slam titles ever, with an impressive 24 to his name. He finished 2023 with a record-extending eighth-year-end No.1 finish, winning the Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open. He will for sure have his eyes on Federer’s records as he has the opportunity to equalise and if not beat it in the Wimbledon 2024.

#2 Pete Sampras | 7 Titles

Before Federer took his crown, America’s Pete Sampras held the title of most Wimbledon titles in Open Era for 9 years, from 1999-2008. He won the Championships 7 times in the space of 8 years between 1993 and 2000. 

'Pistol Pete' just lost out to Richard Krajicek in the quarterfinals, who then went on to win The Championships that year. Pete has an astonishing 90%-win rate at Wimbledon, just higher than Federer on 88%. He was an incredible grass court player and was truly untouchable during his peak.

Also Read: Grand Slam record: Most wins in grand slams

#1 Roger Federer | 8 Titles

You cannot have a conversation about most Wimbledon titles winners without talking about The King of Grass, Roger Federer. Federer is the most successful male player at Wimbledon with a total of 8 titles to his name. He is also one of just two players to win the Championships on five consecutive occasions (2003-2007). 

Federer holds many world records at Wimbledon, many surrounding the 2008 final against Nadal which was the longest Wimbledon singles final ever. However, the most notable of his records is arguably the number of consecutive matches he won at Wimbledon. Between 2003 and 2008 Federer won an astonishing 66 matches in a row.

When a young and rising star makes a mark, it is a reason to celebrate. The younger they are, the more impressive their achievements are and the more they showcase their talent. Numerous tennis players have achieved esteemed Grand Slam titles, very few have done it at such a tender age. In this article, we will discuss the youngest Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.

Also Read: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam Finals in Men's Tennis

Youngest Grand Slam Champion

10. Carlos Alcaraz Garfia | 19 years 3 months 24 days

Great things were predicted about him since 2021 but no one expected him to rise so quickly as he won the US Open in what was only his second attempt. Carlos Alcaraz defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, (7-1), 6-3 in what was considered the youngest ever US Open final where the Norwegian was only 23 years old.

Alcaraz had reached the quarterfinals when he made his US Open debut last year. He also became the youngest Spanish player to win a Grand Slam title after his compatriot Rafael Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

9. Mats Wilander | 19 years 3 months 7 days

Mats Wilander, who was known as a clay-court specialist, triumphed on the grass courts of the Australian Open to everyone’s surprise, defeating Ivan Lendl in the 1983 final (6-1, 6-4, 6-4) at the age of 19. The Swede had participated in the event mainly to prepare for the Davis Cup.

8. Pete Sampras | 19 years 15 days

America’s Pete Sampras became US Open’s youngest-ever men’s singles champion in 1990 as he defeated Andre Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. He also defeated Ivan Lendl on his way to reaching the finals, where he also ended Lendl’s streak of reaching his eighth men’s singles finals in a row at the US Open. This was the first of Pete’s 14 major titles, which was also an Open Era record until Roger Federer overtook him.

7. Bjorn Borg | 18 years 11 months 28 days

Defending champion Björn Borg defeated Guillermo Vilas in the final, 6–2, 6–3, 6–4 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1975 French Open at the age of 19. It was his second French Open title and second major title overall.

Also Read: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam Titles by Active Players 2023 (Men)

6. Rafael Nadal | 18 years 11 months 20 days

Spain’s Rafael Nadal won his first Grand Slam title way back in 2005. Just a few days after his 19th birthday, Nadal defeated Argentina’s Mariarno Puerta 6-7, (6-8), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 at the Roland Garros and won the first of his 14 titles in Paris.

Rafa became the first teenager to win a major singles title after Pete Sampras who won the 1990 US Open. In 2005, his breakthrough year, Nadal won a staggering 11 ATP titles. Just a few days after his 19th birthday, Nadal defeated Argentina’s Mariarno Puerta 6-7, (6-8), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 at the Roland Garros and won the first of his 14 titles in Paris. (Photo Credit: AP)

5. Boris Becker | 18 years 7 months 1 day

The 18-year-old West German made it back-to-back Wimbledon titles, beating pre-tournament favourite Ivan Lendl, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in 1986, for the 100th men’s singles title. Boris Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles overall – three at Wimbledon (1985, 1986, 1989), two at the Australian Open (1991, 1996) and one at the US Open (1989).

4. Bjorn Borg | 17 years 11 months 27 days

Sweden’s Bjorn Borg was often referred to as the “Ice Man” or the “Ice Boy” during his teens. He represented Sweden in the 1972 Davis Cup at the age of 15 and turned professional a year later.

He didn’t have a full season of the tour when he won the first of his 11 Grand Slam titles at the 1974 Roland Garros, just a few days after his 18th birthday. His last Grand Slam title came at the 1981 French Open.

3. Mats Wilander | 17 years 9 months 2 days

This Swedish tennis player turned professional in 1981 at the age of 17 and just a year later won his first Grand Slam title at 1982 Roland Garros where he defeated Guillermo Vilas 1-6, (7-6), (8-6), 6-0, 6-4. Mats Wilander added six more Grand Slam titles with the last one being the 1988 US Open. He also won the Australian and French Open that year and also reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals.

2. Boris Becker | 17 years 7 months 2 days

Germany’s Boris Becker became the first unseeded player to win Wimbledon in 1985. He is the second youngest Grand Slam champion. Becker turned professional in 1984 but he defeated America’s Kevin Curren 6-3,6-7, (4-7), 7-6, (7-3), 6-4 in the 1985 Wimbledon final. Becker went on to win five more major titles in his career with the last one being the 1996 Australian Open.

Also Read: Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

1. Michael Chang | 17 years 3 months 7 days

Young American, Michael Chang became the youngest Grand Slam champion when he won the 1989 French Open with a 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Sweden’s Stefan Edberg. Chang was a school dropout at the age of 15 and in 1988 turned professional.

Just a year later, he won the men’s singles trophy at the Roland Garros. This was his only Grand Slam title but he did reach two other major finals in 1996 where he finished as the runner-up at the Australian Open and US Open.