Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Retires From T20 After India’s T20 World Cup Victory

Virat Kohli Retires From T20Is After India’s T20 World Cup Triumph

Virat Kohli, former Indian cricket team captain and Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India’s historic win over South Africa in Barbados on Saturday. Kohli, one of India’s greatest cricketers, declared it was time for the next generation to take over. Reflecting on his journey from Delhi’s by-lanes to global cricket stardom, Kohli’s T20I career saw many highs and lows.

“This was my last T20 World Cup, exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli said after India ended an 11-year ICC title drought. “This was my last T20 game for India. We wanted to lift that cup.” He confirmed his retirement to Harsha Bhogle, stating, “It’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.”

Kohli emphasized the significance of the victory, praising teammate Rohit Sharma, and shared his emotional journey. Kohli, who made his T20I debut in 2010, concluded his career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69. His final game saw him score a crucial 76 off 59 balls, leading India to a record total of 176/7 in a T20 World Cup final.

Rohit Sharma Retires From T20Is Post Historic T20 World Cup 2024 Win

Following India’s T20 World Cup win, captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 internationals during the post-match press conference. While Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the win, Rohit confirmed his decision later, stating he would continue playing ODIs and Tests.

Rohit’s retirement follows a stellar T20I career, highlighted by his 41-ball 92-run knock against Australia in the Super 8s. “This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this trophy badly,” Rohit expressed, reflecting on his desperation for the title. His retirement comes after leading India to their second T20 World Cup title, ending a long title drought.

Rohit, the highest scorer in T20Is with 4,231 runs in 159 matches and five centuries, began his T20I journey in the 2007 World Cup, contributing significantly to India’s first title win. As captain, he has now secured India’s second T20 World Cup, further cementing his legacy.

The final match against South Africa was intense, with India defending 176 runs. Despite South Africa needing 30 runs from the last 30 balls, India’s bowlers, including Bumrah, Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, performed admirably. Pandya’s final over, defending 16 runs, sealed India’s seven-run victory.

Rohit’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career. Reflecting on his journey, he 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.” His departure follows that of his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, marking the end of an era in Indian T20 cricket. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been instrumental in numerous Indian victories over the years.

T20 World Cup 2024 Final: India Wins After 17 Years

Barbados, USA: In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final, Rohit Sharma’s Team India defeated South Africa by 7 runs at Kensington Oval, Barbados, securing an ICC title after 11 years. Following the historic victory, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket.

Defending a total of 176/7, India’s chances looked slim as South Africa needed just 30 runs from 30 balls with set batters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller at the crease. However, India’s bowlers delivered under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya bowled tight overs, with Bumrah conceding only four runs in the 17th over and Pandya dismissing Klaasen in another four-run over. Bumrah followed with a two-run 18th over, taking the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen. Arshdeep Singh bowled a four-run penultimate over, and Pandya sealed the win by dismissing Miller on the first ball of the final over, thanks to a spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav.

Earlier, India posted 176 for 7, the highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup final, after being reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs. A crucial 72-run partnership between Kohli (76 off 59) and Axar Patel (47 off 31) steadied the innings.

India’s remarkable performance and nerve under pressure led them to a memorable victory, ending their 17-year wait for a T20 World Cup title.

India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 Final Highlights

Venue: Kensington Oval, Barbados
Result: India won by 7 runs
India’s Total: 176/7
South Africa’s Total: 169/8

Key Moments:

India’s Batting Highlights:

India struggled initially, reduced to 34 for 3 in 4.3 overs.
Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a gritty knock of 76 off 59 balls.
A crucial 72-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Axar Patel (47 off 31 balls) helped India recover.
India posted a challenging total of 176/7, the highest in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
South Africa’s Chase:

South Africa required 30 runs from 30 balls with set batters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller at the crease.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled a tight 17th over, conceding only four runs.
Hardik Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen in the 18th over, which also yielded only four runs.
Bumrah conceded just two runs in the 19th over and took the wicket of Marco Jansen.
Arshdeep Singh bowled a four-run 20th over.
In the final over, Hardik Pandya got the wicket of David Miller on the first ball with a sensational catch by Suryakumar Yadav at long-off.

Key Performances:

India:

Virat Kohli: 76 off 59 balls
Axar Patel: 47 off 31 balls
Jasprit Bumrah: Key overs including the 17th and 19th, crucial wicket of Marco Jansen
Hardik Pandya: Crucial wickets including Klaasen and Miller
South Africa:
Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller: Set batters during the crucial phase of the chase

Post-Match Highlights:

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket after the match.
India secured their first T20 World Cup title in 17 years and an ICC title after 11 years.

India’s remarkable bowling performance in the final overs and key contributions from their star players led to a memorable victory, bringing the T20 World Cup trophy back to India.

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