Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Announce Retirement from T20Is

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma : Two Gems Retired

Key Points:

• Virat Kohli Retirement Announcement:
  • Retired after India's seven-run victory against South Africa in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup final.
  • Awarded Player of the Match for scoring 76 runs off 59 balls in his last T20I.
  • Stated retirement was planned regardless of the match outcome.
  • Emphasized the need for the next generation to take over the T20 game.
• Rohit Sharma Retirement Announcement: Source : Getty Images
  • Retired alongside Kohli after the World Cup win.
  • Leaves as the highest run-scorer in T20 internationals with 4231 runs in 159 matches.
  • Holds the record for the most centuries in T20Is (five).
• Career Highlights:
  • Kohli debuted in June 2010, played 125 T20Is, scoring 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries.
  • Won Player of the Tournament in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups.
  • Rohit Sharma planted the Indian flag on the Kensington Oval outfield post-victory.

In Detail :

Virat Kohli Announces T20I Retirement:

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India's triumphant victory over South Africa in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup final. Kohli, who was awarded the Player of the Match for his stellar 59-ball 76, played a crucial role in helping India secure its second World T20 title. Source : Getty Images
"This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve," Kohli expressed during the post-match presentation. He added, "One day you feel like you can't get a run and this happens, God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup." Kohli made it clear that his retirement was predetermined, irrespective of the match's outcome, stating, "Yes I have [announced my retirement from T20Is], this was an open secret. It was not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. It's time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward."

Kohli, who debuted in T20Is in June 2010, has had an illustrious career with 125 games for India, amassing 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries. He has twice been named Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cups of 2014 and 2016. His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving him as the second-highest run-getter in T20Is, just behind Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma Joins Virat Kohli in Retirement:

Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from T20 internationals, following India's World Cup victory. Sharma, who played a pivotal role in India's T20 journey, leaves the format as the highest run-scorer, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name. Post-victory, Sharma was seen planting the Indian flag on the Kensington Oval outfield, a symbolic gesture of his and the team's achievement.

With both Kohli and Sharma retiring, India bids farewell to two of its most iconic players in T20 cricket. Their contributions have been immense, shaping India's success on the global stage. Their retirement paves the way for the next generation to step up and carry forward their legacy.

Summary :

The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma mark a significant moment in T20 cricket history. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacies will inspire future generations of cricketers. As India celebrates its World Cup victory, the cricketing world bids farewell to two of its brightest stars.