Indian cricket celebrated two of its greatest stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, bidding farewell to T20Is on a high note as they clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title against Australia. Kohli, who had struggled for form throughout the tournament, delivered a match-winning performance in the final, scoring a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls. Following the victory, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals, a decision echoed by captain Rohit Sharma shortly after. The emotional moment was marked by tears and a heartfelt embrace between the two stalwarts on the field in Barbados.
Reflecting on Kohli’s pivotal innings, Rohit Sharma praised his teammate’s resilience and experience, emphasizing Kohli’s role in steadying India’s innings and setting up their total of 176/7. Rohit attributed India’s success to the meticulous groundwork laid during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach over the past three years, underscoring the team’s growth and preparation leading up to the triumphant final against South Africa.
THE WINNING CELEBRATION BY ROHIT & KOHLI. 🥺
– Both have retired from T20I..!!!! pic.twitter.com/O7S3QjiyXL
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2024
In a post-match interview, Rohit Sharma commended the team’s collective effort throughout the tournament, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and execute strategic plans effectively. He expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement, attributing it to the cohesive efforts of players and management alike.
“It’s hard to sum up the journey of the last 3-4 years. We’ve worked tirelessly as a unit, overcoming challenges and learning from past experiences. Today’s victory is a testament to the hard work and trust among us,” Rohit remarked, reflecting on India’s journey to reclaiming the ICC T20 World Cup after an 11-year wait.
