In a monumental moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) after leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. The Indian cricket captain led by example, concluding India’s 11-year-long wait for an ICC trophy and bidding adieu to the shortest format of the game after a thrilling finale at Kensington Oval.
“This was my last [T20I] game as well,” Rohit revealed during the post-match press conference following the final. Reflecting on the occasion, he continued, “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.
The emotional gravity of the moment was evident as Rohit added, “I wanted this badly. Very hard to put in words. It was a very emotional moment for me. I was very desperate for this title in my life. Happy that we eventually crossed the line.”
At 37, Rohit Sharma exits the T20 format as the leading run-scorer, concluding a glittering career with a remarkable record. In the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup held across the USA and the West Indies, he scored the second-highest total of 257 runs. Over his T20I career, which spanned 159 matches, he accumulated an impressive 4,231 runs and holds the record for the most centuries – five in the format.
Rohit’s swan song wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a return to glory for Indian cricket. Notably, he had been part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
. Now, his career comes full circle, ending with a championship as a captain. For fans, his announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected; it was evident that he had achieved everything he could in T20Is. His performance in the recent tournament, where he scored three fifties in eight innings with an electrifying strike rate of 156.70, was a testament to his enduring class.
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Adding to the emotional post-script of the game, Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from T20Is shortly after securing the Player of the Match award in the 2024 final. Kohli played a critical role by top-scoring with 76 runs, facilitating India in setting a challenging total of 176/7 while batting first. With his retirement, Kohli finishes as the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, making the game even more unforgettable for Indian cricket enthusiasts.
“It’s surreal,” Kohli said while reflecting on his final T20I game. “To contribute to my team’s victory and then knowing this is the last time I’ll be donning this jersey in a T20I match makes it extraordinarily special. The memories made here, and throughout my T20I career, will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
The T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados marked a momentous event for India, in more ways than one. Not only did it feature a groundbreaking victory, but it also served as the final chapter for two of India’s greatest cricketing ambassadors in T20Is – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The impacts of their retirements will resonate deeply through the corridors of Indian cricket, as fans and aspiring cricketers alike reflect on the rich legacies these two stalwarts leave behind. With young talents ready to step up, Indian cricket stands on the cusp of a new era, but the contributions of legends like Rohit and Kohli will always serve as the bedrock upon which future successes are built.
In the end, the T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered not just for the triumph it delivered but for the fitting farewells it offered to two of cricket’s most enduring icons. As India celebrates this historic win, the words of Rohit Sharma and the lasting memories from this tourney will echo, inspiring many generations to come.
