Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Announce Retirement From T20Is After World Cup Triumph

Barbados: Following India’s thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup final, cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is).

Kohli, who was named Player of the Match for his crucial 76 off 59 balls, shared the news of his retirement on the field. Meanwhile, Sharma confirmed his decision during the post-match press conference.

Rohit Sharma expressed his sentiments, saying, “This was my last T20I game. No better time to say goodbye to this format. I’ve cherished every moment. Starting my India career in T20Is and ending with this victory is what I always dreamed of.”

Sharma, who debuted in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, played 159 matches, scoring 4231 runs. His career highlights include five centuries, with a top score of 121* against Afghanistan this year, and 32 half-centuries. As the most successful T20I captain, he led India to 50 wins, surpassing Pakistan’s Babar Azam.

Kohli, speaking after receiving his award, remarked, “This was my last T20 World Cup, and it’s exactly what we aimed for. This was my final T20I for India. It’s time for the next generation to take over. This victory is a fitting end.”

Kohli, who debuted in June 2010, played 125 T20Is, amassing 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries. He was twice named Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cups of 2014 and 2016, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is behind Sharma.