After Virat Kohli, India captain Rohit Sharma retires from T20Is following historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory
PTC News Desk: Following the team’s second T20 World Cup victory, two of India’s best cricketers of all time, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirements from the Twenty20 format on Saturday. India captain Rohit Sharma made the announcement during the official press conference following the match, while skipper Kohli made the announcement minutes after the historic victory. Rohit, who was instrumental in India’s victorious effort, declared that he would keep playing for the country in Tests and ODIs.
Rohit declared himself “desperate” for the trophy after his scorching 41-ball 92-run innings against Australia in the Super 8s match will live on in the memory for years to come.
“I also played my last game tonight. There is no better time to bid adieu. I really wanted this prize. After ending India’s more than ten-year title drought, Rohit remarked at the post-match press conference, “It’s very hard to put in words.” “It turned out to be just what I wanted. This was something I desperately needed in my life. Glad we went over the line this time,” he continued.
His declaration followed India’s triumph in its second T20 World Cup, a success that filled the country with great happiness and pride.
With his retirement, an incredible T20I career comes to an end. In 159 matches, he amassed 4231 runs, making him the format’s greatest scorer. With five centuries under his belt, he now owns the record for the most in T20 international cricket. He played a major role in India’s first-ever T20 World Cup victory in 2007, which marked the start of his T20I career. He has now cemented his legend even further by leading India to their second triumph as captain.
In the thrilling final encounter against South Africa, India had to defend a target of 176 runs. With thirty runs to be scored from the final thirty deliveries, the Proteas seemed to be in control. But at the pivotal moments, India’s bowlers, headed by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, maintained composure. Especially in the last over, Pandya was brilliant, successfully protecting 16 runs to give India a thrilling seven-run victory.
As a cricket player who has seen both highs and lows, Rohit found this victory especially meaningful. His leadership, tenacity, and steadfast resolve were demonstrated by the victory. When Sharma looked back on his voyage, he said, “I’ve enjoyed every second of it. My career in India began with me playing this format. I desired to win the cup, and that is what I got.”
His announcement of his retirement from T20 internationals after the World Cup coincides with that of his longstanding teammate, Virat Kohli. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been the cornerstones of Indian cricket, helping the team win many matches over the years.