BARBADOS: India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma followed in Virat Kohli’s footsteps and announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 glory.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after India edged past South Africa by seven runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final to end their 11-year ICC title drought, Rohit revealed it was his last appearance for India in the shortest format but will continue in ODIs and Tests.
“No better time to say goodbye,” Rohit said.
“This was my last game as well. I’ve enjoyed since the time I started playing this format. I’ve loved every moment of this. This is what I wanted – I wanted to win the cup,” added Rohit.
Rohit, who made his T20I debut for India in 2007, represented the nation in 159 matches and accumulated 4231 runs at an average of 32.05 with the help of five centuries and 32 fifties.
Notably, Rohit’s tally of 4231 runs is the highest by any player in Men’s T20Is to date. He also has the most number of centuries to his name in the shortest international format.
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For the unversed, Rohit Sharma’s retirement came briefly after India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli hung up his boots from the T20Is.
“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
“One day you feel you can’t get a run, and then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered. Now or never, the last T20 for India wanted to make the most of it.
“Wanted to lift the cup, and respect the situation rather than force it. This was an open secret, it’s time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high.”