In a monumental moment for Indian cricket, superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma confirmed their retirement from T20 internationals following India’s victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The announcement marks the end of an era for two of India’s most prolific cricketers in the shortest format of the game.
Virat Kohli bows out on a high
Kohli, who was named Player of the Match for his crucial 76 off 59 balls, expressed his satisfaction with ending his T20I career on such a high note. “This was my last T20 World Cup and this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” said Kohli. Reflecting on the game, he added, “I was telling Rohit [Sharma] today when we went out to bat, ‘One day you feel like you can’t get a run, then you come out and things happen.’ I’m just really grateful I was able to get the job done for the team on the day that it mattered the most.”
Kohli, who debuted in T20Is in June 2010, played 125 matches for India, amassing 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries. His decision to retire, he mentioned, was an “open secret” aimed at allowing the next generation to step up and build the future team. “It was a now or never situation. This is my last T20 game playing for India, it’s the last World Cup I was going to play, so I wanted to make the most of it,” he stated.
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Rohit Sharma’s emotional farewell
In a post-match press conference, Rohit echoed Kohli’s sentiments, confirming that the final was also his last T20I game. “This was my last game as well,” he said, referring to Kohli’s announcement. “No better time to say goodbye to this format. I’ve loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup,” added Rohit.
Rohit, who debuted in the inaugural T20 World Cup against England in Durban in 2007, has been a stalwart in India’s T20I setup. He played 159 matches, scoring 4231 runs, making him India’s highest run-getter in T20Is. His illustrious career includes five centuries, with a career-best 121 not out against Afghanistan earlier this year, and 32 half-centuries.
“This was a very emotional moment for me. I was very desperate for this title in my life. Happy that we eventually crossed the line,” Rohit said, struggling to put his emotions into words.
End of an era
The simultaneous retirement of Kohli and Rohit marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian T20 cricket. Both players have left an indelible mark on the game, with numerous records and memorable performances. Their departure opens the door for new talents to rise and carry forward their legacy.
As Indian cricket fans bid farewell to two legends of the game, the T20 World Cup 2024 win stands as a testament to their extraordinary contributions and a fitting end to their illustrious T20I careers.
