Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma retires from T20’s; End of an Era
In a poignant turn of events, two of India’s greatest cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirements from T20 internationals following India’s second T20 World Cup win. While Kohli made his announcement minutes after the historic victory, Rohit Sharma revealed his decision during the official post-match press conference. Despite retiring from T20Is, Rohit confirmed his commitment to continue representing India in ODIs and Tests.
A Desperate Quest for Glory
Rohit, whose blistering 41-ball 92-run knock against Australia in the Super 8s will be remembered for years, expressed his desperation for the title. “This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” Rohit said. “This is what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time,” he added.
A Celebrated Career
Rohit’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career. He departs as the format’s highest scorer, amassing 4,231 runs in 159 matches, and holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five. His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win. As captain, he has now led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.
Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma retires from T20’s; End of an Era
The Thrilling Final
The final match against South Africa was a nail-biter, with India defending a target of 176 runs. South Africa needed 30 runs from the last 30 deliveries and seemed poised for victory. However, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, showcased exceptional skill and composure. Pandya, in particular, excelled in the final over, successfully defending 16 runs and securing a dramatic seven-run victory for India.
A Fitting Farewell
This triumph was especially meaningful for Rohit, who has experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing career. The win was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma said, “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.”
End of an Era
Rohit’s retirement follows that of his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, who also announced his departure from T20 internationals after the World Cup. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket, their contributions instrumental in numerous victories over the years. Their retirements mark the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers.