T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both retired from T20Is
In a surprising turn of events, India captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals following the country’s historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory. This announcement comes shortly after his teammate, Virat Kohli, declared his own retirement from the format.
Sharma’s Farewell After a Stellar Career
Two of India’s cricketing giants, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, bid adieu to T20Is on the same day. The announcements were made following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup win, their second in history. Kohli retired moments after the victory, while Sharma made his announcement during the official post-match press conference.
Sharma, who played a pivotal role in the World Cup campaign, confirmed he would continue representing India in ODIs and Tests. His memorable 41-ball 92-run performance against Australia in the Super 8s was a highlight of the tournament and will be remembered for years to come.
Expressing his emotions, Sharma stated, “This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this trophy badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” he shared in the press conference. “This is what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time.”
An Iconic Career in T20Is
Sharma’s retirement marks the conclusion of an illustrious T20I career. Over the years, he amassed 4,231 runs in 159 matches, making him the highest scorer in the format. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20Is, with five centuries to his name. Starting his T20I journey in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Sharma was a key player in India’s first title win. As captain, he led India to their second title, solidifying his legacy.
The final match of the World Cup against South Africa was a thrilling contest. India defended a target of 176 runs in a nail-biting finish. South Africa, needing 30 runs from the last 30 deliveries, seemed poised for victory. However, India’s bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve. Pandya’s performance in the final over, where he defended 16 runs, secured a dramatic seven-run victory for India.
Celebrating Leadership and Determination
For Sharma, this triumph was particularly special. Having experienced both the highs and lows of cricket, this victory was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma said, “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.”
Sharma’s announcement follows that of Virat Kohli, his long-time teammate, who also retired from T20Is after the World Cup. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been cornerstones of Indian cricket, contributing significantly to numerous victories over the years.
Their retirements mark the end of an era in Indian T20 cricket. Fans and fellow players alike will remember their contributions and the indelible marks they have left on the sport. Sharma’s departure from T20Is, coming on the heels of a historic World Cup win, ensures his legacy will be celebrated for generations to come.
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