Eoin Morgan retires: A Leader cum Legend Beyond the 22 Yards

"I had reached the end of the road," said Eoin Morgan, England's 50-over World Cup-winning captain, who has now officially retired. There was some sadness, as there always is when a special player leaves the arena, but what followed was a sense of relief, immense pride, and exceeding everyone's expectations—Morgan made everyone proud. His immediate family, friends, colleagues, teammates, and, most importantly, English cricket fans.

In a video shared by England Cricket, Morgan said, "Everything must come to an end. I was quite sad the day that it hit me but since then I have been very happy, very content, unbelievably proud not only as a player but as a captain," Morgan said.

Eoin Morgan announced his retirement from international cricket, citing personal and professional reasons, capping off a stellar career that began with Ireland in 2006 and culminated in England's World Cup victory in 2019.

He will, however, continue to play in the UK and will captain the London Spirit in The Hundred's second season.

"After careful deliberation and consideration, I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect," Morgan said in an ECB released on Tuesday (June 28).

"To call time on what has been without a doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn't been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point."

Morgan's mind was ticking, the bat wasn't

(Picture Credit: Twitter/@eoin16)

Morgan's case was a clear case of failing to score enough runs with the bat over a long period of time. Since the beginning of 2021, there had been only one half-century in 48 domestic and international white-ball innings. Morgan knew his time was up after registering his second duck of England's tour of the Netherlands on June 19. It was just a matter of time before he announced his retirement from the game.

Morgan's mind was still racing, but the control he once had over his elite hands and feet had faded.

"I'd reached the end of the road. Yes, I was out of form but previously when I've been out of form I've been able to see a picture out of it. If the team was doing crap, I can see a picture out of it. I couldn't see either. And considering where the World Cup is in October, the feeling that day… it felt a million miles away."

For Morgan team came first, individuals later

(Picture Credit: Twitter/@englandcricket)

Morgan stayed committed to his principles all the way up to his retirement. Contrary to many other great players, particularly those from the Asian subcontinent, who have been accused of prolonging their careers in order to add further numbers to their totals, he never played cricket for numbers.

Morgan prioritized the team's success above everything else, and he was prepared to be cruel if necessary. Most significantly, he left the situation when he wanted to rather than hanging around until someone else pushed him out. He performed on his terms, took the initiative, and led from the front. If ever there was a step-away that was ideal for Eoin Morgan, this was it.

Morgan couldn't resist changing his mind despite the urge to treat his final series as a goodbye one.

"It's completely unfair," he said of the prospect of a self-appointed swansong, "and it goes against everything I stand for, as well. I just would have felt like an imposter.

How will history remember Morgan?

(Picture Credit: The Times)

Every exceptional player leaves a legacy for succeeding generations. Yes, Morgan did that. The left-hander would be remembered more for his astute leadership, the capacity to make difficult but correct decisions, the ability to play as a team, respect your teammates, and above all, his ability to perform on a big stage than for the number of runs he scored, the tons he made, and the matches he single-handedly won for England. He elevated England's white-ball cricket to previously unheard-of heights using these concepts.

It was challenging to resist having envy for him. a leader in his field, a symbol of top-tier talent, and unfailingly pleased with being all of those things while earning the highest respect from both peers and rivals. Additionally, he was able to leave the situation when, absent comments from spectators, no one would have forced him to. Most importantly, it shows self-awareness: a harsh, emotionless call he had made on others is now directed at himself. Some people could claim that this is another indication of his cold, calculating nature.

Eoin morgan's special numbers

Morgan scored 7701 runs in ODIs, of which 6957 came after he switched from supporting Ireland to England in 2009. Although it is still England's highest total in ODI cricket, his seven-year leadership reign that transformed and reinvigorated England's white-ball game will ultimately be what defines his legacy.

Morgan finished his career as the most successful captain of the 2019 winners and the only one to win a World Cup for his country, leading England to 76 victories in 126 ODI matches.

Together with MS Dhoni of India, Morgan has led his team as captain 126 times in ODI and an additional 72 times in T20 matches. He also served as England's captain in two T20 World Cups, but both in 2016 (runners up) and 2022, a championship run eluded his team by narrow margins (semifinalists).

To know more on England legend career in numbers click here.

Final of the 2019 World Cup, Morgan's High at Lord's

(Picture Credit: Twitter/@ICC)

The 2019 World Cup Final, which was contested at Lord's, would undoubtedly rank as Morgan's greatest moment as a captain. The game was perhaps the greatest white-ball contest in ODI history thanks to England's victory over New Zealand in the Super Over and the tie at the Mecca of Cricket, where England won on the boundary count. When England won, Morgan became one of a select group of guys who have accomplished winning a 50-over World Cup for their country.

That evening, all of England joined their supporters throughout the globe in celebration. It was a special occasion, but Morgan had already planted the roots of this triumph four years prior, when the Three Lions were eliminated from the round-robin league following a demoralizing defeat to Bangladesh in Australia during the 2015 World Cup.

(Picutre Credit: Twitter/@Eoin16)

Morgan was aware that things needed to change—perhaps not physically, but undoubtedly in terms of thinking. A few months before the 2015 World Cup, he was given the reins of the England white-ball setup, thus he never had enough time to get to know the team or prepare for such a crucial competition. The selectors put their trust in Morgan's ability to lead, and over the course of the following three years, England changed dramatically as a team in the white-ball format. He was aware that the game moves quickly, thus he needed a solid balance of young and experienced players.?

The Three Lions were the top-ranked ODI team in the world when the 2019 World Cup began because Morgan selected match-winners for his team, gave them many of chances to show themselves, and supported them to win matches for England. The likes of Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler emerged as top match-winners in the Three Lions' road to glory at home.

Morgan's England played like an entirely different team at the 2019 World Cup. Their fielders were performing at an entirely different level, taking blinders and spectacular catches. They were aggressive, never took a back seat—whether they were batting, bowling, or fielding—scored large runs with the bat, and their bowlers often took wickets.

Nobody was surprised when England won the World Cup; the only surprise was how they defeated New Zealand in the championship match.

Could Morgan have carried on?

(Picture Credit: sky sports)

The 35-year-old Morgan had previously stated his wish to captain England at the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia, but it is believed that he decided to retire from international cricket due to growing worries about his fitness and form. In fact, he only produced two half centuries in his last 28 innings for England.

Morgan's retirement from cricket will likely be listed under better or more reasonable retirements. So many people quit the game without much knowledge of what comes next, without knowing who they truly are, and, worst of all, without feeling as though they left something behind. However, here, as Morgan grinned without regret or concern, you could tell all would be well. He emphasized that there would be no concern about losing out on a possible 50-over or T20 World Cup victory this winter. Beyond the sadness, there has been only tranquility since the morning of the Monday when he realized he was retiring.

It was hard not to envy him. A trailblazer for his sport, a totem of elite-level brilliance, unwaveringly content - to be all that and have the utmost respect of peers and opponents alike. And to be able to step away from it when, barring comments from the sidelines, no one would have pushed him away from the set up, at least till the 2023 World Cup in India next year. Some people might say it's another example of his cold, calculating persona, but most of all it's self-awareness: a harsh, unemotional call he has previously made on others, now unto himself.

Morgan leaves with his head held high

(Photo credit: ICC/Reuters)

Morgan leaves with his head held high, he knows in his heart that he performed the task to the best of his skills that had been given to him seven years earlier.

"I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cup-winning teams, but I believe the future for England's white-ball teams is brighter than ever. We have more experience, more strength, and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement." Morgan said.

He was the leader among men. A mentor to youngsters in the side and a friend to his fellow teammates Those who played with or against him attest to the cool character the man hid behind a brain that was constantly racing to compete, win, and achieve life trophies. In addition, Morgan expressed gratitude to his friends, family, and loved ones for their unwavering support and shared his future plans.

"From my start in the international arena with Ireland to win the World Cup in 2019, I have never lost sight of how integral family support is to any international sportsperson. To my Mum and Dad, my wife, Tara, and our family around the world thank you for your unconditional support throughout the good and more challenging times in my career. Without you all, this incredible journey would not have been possible.

However, he departs as England's top run-scorer in men's ODI and T20I cricket as well as their most-captured player in both competitions. It also speaks highly of his leadership and the cultural change he brought about in the white-ball setting. The success of coach Brendon McCullum and longtime ally Ben Stokes' red-ball setup against New Zealand at home is likely what helped Morgan to move on with content.

Jos Buttler, who has been Morgan's deputy since 2015 and has captained the squad 13 times in the white-ball format, is probably going to lead the team in their upcoming game against India.

Morgan will be remembered as a captain who improved English cricket and whose influence lasted for many years. But at his core, he was a man who believed that everyone should be able to enjoy the game of cricket and who questioned the necessity of doing things a certain way. And by doing so, he improved the lives of people under his leadership as well as those who observed. No matter how calculating, cold, and mysterious he appeared to be, there remained warmth inside of him the entire time.

Eoin Morgan was dubbed the most powerful person in the national cricket structure by former England captain Michael Vaughan last year. He certainly deserves to be powerful, as the adage from a well-known South Indian film goes, starting with Yash.

"Powerful people make places powerful" Morgan definitely validated the adage.

Well played Eoin Morgan!

(In terms of producing sports content for television and other digital platforms, the author has a lot of experience. The author regularly follows England cricket and has witnessed and written about the nation's rise from 2015 to 2019.)