After being crowned Player of the Match in the thrilling T20 World Cup final, he took the opportunity to make the announcement amidst the buzzing news about Virat Kohli's retirement. This momentous occasion marked not only his stellar performance but also a poignant farewell to T20 cricket, a format he had graced since India's victorious 2007 World Cup campaign. In 2024, with his decision, he came full circle, stepping away from the captaincy he held for more than two years. Rohit Sharma's declaration to retire from T20s while continuing to contribute in Tests and ODIs echoed the recent announcement by his teammate, Virat Kohli, adding another layer of significance to their parallel exits from the international T20 arena.
In a dramatic twist of fate, Rohit Sharma, following in the footsteps of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, bid adieu to T20 cricket on the heels of India's triumphant T20 World Cup victory. The 2007 World Cup victory marked the genesis of Rohit's illustrious T20I journey, culminating now in 2024, as he closes this chapter. With his farewell from the T20 arena, Rohit also relinquished the captain's armband he held for over two years. Emphatically declaring his retirement from the shortest format, Rohit affirmed his commitment to continue representing India in Tests and ODIs. His announcement closely mirrored that of teammate Virat Kohli, underscoring a shared moment of transition for Indian cricket.
In a thrilling finale to the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli broke free from a lean spell with a resilient 76 off 59 balls, pivotal in India's total of 176-7 against South Africa, whom they restricted to 169-8 to clinch their second T20 World Cup and first since 2007. In his post-match interview as the Player of the Match, the 35-year-old Kohli confirmed his retirement from T20 Internationals.
Shortly after, Captain Rohit Sharma, aged 37, revealed in his emotional post-match press conference that he too was bidding farewell to T20 cricket. Rohit, who amassed 4,231 runs in 159 matches including five centuries and 32 half-centuries, expressed his fondness for the format where he began his international career.
Kohli's T20I career concludes with 4,188 runs in 125 games, boasting an impressive average of 48.69 with 38 fifties and a solitary century. Reflecting on his decision, Kohli emphasized the need for the new generation to take charge of Indian cricket, highlighting the emerging talent poised to lead the team forward.
"In the end, it's time for the new generation to step up for India," Kohli remarked.
Speaking on his pivotal innings in the final, Kohli shared, "Today was one of those days where everything just clicked. I wasn't feeling my best leading up to it, lacking confidence, but the occasion brought out the best in me. It was now or never, and I'm immensely proud to have contributed when it mattered most."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Kohli added, "It hasn't quite sunk in yet. This victory means so much to me personally and to the team. I'm feeling grateful and humble right now."
Rohit Sharma, reflecting on his decision to retire from T20s after achieving his dream of lifting the World Cup, expressed, "There couldn't have been a better moment to bid farewell to this format. T20 cricket has been a cherished part of my career from the very beginning. Winning this trophy and stepping away feels like a perfect closure."
He continued, "I'm grateful for every moment spent on the field representing India in T20s. It's been an incredible journey."
Both players' announcements marked the end of an era in Indian cricket, paving the way for new talents to take up the mantle and continue the legacy they leave behind in T20 Internationals.