In a decision that marks the end of a glittering era for Australian white-ball cricket, Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from One Day Internationals.

The 36-year-old all-rounder, whose audacious stroke play and electric fielding lit up grounds around the world, has chosen to shift his focus solely to T20 cricket.

After a career that spanned 13 years and 149 ODIs, Maxwell leaves behind a legacy that is as dynamic as it is memorable. He amassed 3,990 runs at a thunderous strike rate of 126.70-an unparalleled figure in modern-day ODI cricket-with an average of 33.81.

His explosive batting was complemented by his off-spin, which yielded 77 wickets, and 91 catches that showcased his brilliance in the field. From his debut against Afghanistan in 2012 to his final ODI appearance against India earlier this year in the Champions Trophy, Maxwell remained a force to be reckoned with. He was part of Australia's World Cup-winning sides in both 2015 and 2023, with his 201* against Afghanistan in the latter edition considered one of the greatest ODI innings of all time.

"I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue," Maxwell reflected on the Final Word podcast. "I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that. Since then, I have been able to go through the ups and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams."

Cricket Australia confirmed that Maxwell made the decision with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. They also noted his growing interest in focussing on the Big Bash League and global T20 opportunities, suggesting that his days in international cricket are far from over-just transitioning to a new chapter.

Maxwell revealed the moment the clarity set in. "I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward," he said. "We talked about the 2027 World Cup and I said to him, 'I don't think I am going to make that. It's time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own'. Hopefully they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role."

The brutal honesty and self-awareness in his words echo the professionalism that defined Maxwell's later years. "I always said I wasn't going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn't want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons. They are moving in such a clear direction so this gives them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is."

Maxwell's decision also comes on the heels of a nagging leg injury that ruled him out of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. While his ODI retirement may have been on the cards, the timing now appears deliberate and pragmatic.

George Bailey, the former captain and current Chair of Selectors, paid glowing tribute to the Victorian star. "Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game's most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories. His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, underrated ability with the ball and longevity have been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia," said Bailey.

"Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well, he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year."

Indeed, Maxwell's T20 credentials are second to none. With a style tailor-made for the shortest format-quick hands, 360-degree shot-making, and the ability to turn games in a matter of deliveries-he remains one of the most sought-after players in franchise cricket worldwide.

Yet, for Australian fans, the departure of "The Big Show" from ODIs feels like the end of an era. Whether it was his audacious reverse sweeps, outrageous switch-hits, or laser-sharp throws from backward point, Maxwell's presence on the field was always magnetic.

The 201-run epic against Afghanistan in Mumbai during the 2023 World Cup stands tall among his many achievements. Battling severe cramps, almost immobile at the crease, Maxwell singlehandedly engineered a miraculous chase that etched his name into cricketing folklore.

As the curtain falls on his 50-over career, Maxwell's story serves as a celebration of flair, grit, and evolution. He was never just a cricketer who played the game; he entertained, inspired, and transformed what was possible within the bounds of white-ball cricket.

While ODIs will no longer feature his swashbuckling flair, the fireworks are far from over. Glenn Maxwell now gears up for one final mission-T20 glory in 2026.