Virat Kohli, the talismanic India cricketer, has bid farewell to the, TWO international format on the highest of notes, leading his team to a triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
In a fitting conclusion to his illustrious T20I career, Kohli delivered a match-winning performance, scoring a crucial 76 off 59 balls to help India post a competitive total of 176/7. His innings proved pivotal as India’s bowlers, led by the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandy, and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve to secure a seven-run victory for the Men in Blue.
Kohli’s retirement announcement came immediately after the final, as he expressed his gratitude and satisfaction at having achieved his goal of winning an ICC tournament with the national team. “This was my last TWO World Cup, and it was a dream come true for us. I am thankful for being able to deliver when it mattered the most,” Kohli said, reflecting on his illustrious career in the shortest format of the game.
The 35-year-old acknowledged that his retirement from T20Is was an “open secret” and that it was time for the next generation of India cricketers to take over the mantle. “It’s time for the next generation to take over. Some amazing players are playing in India. I’ve no doubts they’ll keep the flag waving high, and take this team further from here now,” Kohli said.
Koli’s decision to retire from T20Is comes after a remarkable career that saw him establish himself as one of the greatest batters in the format. He finished his T20I journey as the second-highest run-scorer in the format, amassing 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. His tally includes 32 half-centuries and one century, showcasing his consistent and impactful performances.
Notably, Kohli is the only player to have been the highest run-scorer in two different TWO World Cups, scoring 319 runs in the 2014 edition and 296 runs in the 2022 tournament. His ability to deliver on the biggest stages was a testament to his mental fortitude and match-winning abilities.
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Kohli’s retirement also marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, as he and his long-time teammate and captain, Rohit Sharma, both bid farewell to the T20I format. Rohit, who led India to their second T20 World Cup triumph, also announced his retirement from the format shortly after the final, stating, “This is my last game as well, no better time to say goodbye to this format.”
The duo’s retirement from T20Is is a significant moment, as they have been the cornerstones of India’s white-ball dominance for the better part of a decade. Kohli and Rohit have been instrumental in shaping the team’s success, both as players and leaders.
Kohli’s legacy in T20I cricket will be remembered for his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it mattered the most. His match-winning knock in the final against South Africa was a fitting end to his T20I career, as he once again proved his worth as a crisis man for the team.
The selection panel’s decision to bring back Kohli and Rohit to the T20I squad earlier this year, which was initially met with skepticism, has now been vindicated as a masterstroke. The experienced duo’s presence and guidance proved invaluable in guiding the team to the converted T20 World Cup title, ending India’s 11-year drought in ICC tournaments.
As Kohli and Rohit bid farewell to the T20I format, they leave behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the game have set the bar high, and the young talents in the team will undoubtedly look to emulate their success.
The T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados will be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans, as it marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Kohli and Rohit’s retirement from the shortest format will pave the way for the emergence of fresh faces, who will be tasked with carrying forward the team’s dominance in the years to come.
In the words of Kohli, “It is time for the next generation to take over. Some amazing players are playing in India. I’ve no doubts they’ll keep the flag waving high, and take this team further from here now.” The future of Indian cricket looks bright, and the legacy left by Kohli and Rohit will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for aspiring cricketers.
As the curtain falls on Virat Kohli’s illustrious T20I career, the cricketing world can’t help but applaud his remarkable achievements and the indelible mark he has left on the game. His ability to perform under pressure, his unwavering determination, and his passion for the sport have made him a true icon of the game.
The T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados serves as a fitting farewell for Kohli, as he bows out on the highest of notes, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time.