Last night was nothing short of a dream for millions of people. After 13 years, India lifted the T20 World Cup once again. The heartbreak everyone faced on November 19th was a nightmare that the country wanted to forget, and last night provided the perfect moment to do just that. It's been a long wait for India, and they now join the West Indies and England as the only three teams to have won the Men's T20 World Cup twice. The Indian players are ecstatic, and the field is flooded by the jubilant dugout. The crowd is roaring, while South Africa faces yet another heartbreak, unable to secure victory. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were in tears, just as they were after the 2023 World Cup final, but this time, these were tears of joy.
However, this victory also came with a bittersweet moment as two modern-day legends, who redefined cricket in India, announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game. Yes, you heard it right—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from T20Is following India's seven-run victory against South Africa in the final of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Kohli announced after being awarded the Player of the Match for his 59-ball 76, which helped India secure their second T20 World Cup title. Rohit Sharma confirmed his decision in the press conference afterward.
Rohit Sharma, who made his T20I debut in the inaugural T20 World Cup against England in Durban in 2007, played 159 matches for India, scoring 4231 runs to end his career as the highest run-getter in the format for his country. He scored five centuries, including a career-best 121 not out against Afghanistan earlier this year, along with 32 half-centuries. He also ended his career as the most successful T20I captain, with 50 wins (including Super Over/bowl-out victories), two more than Pakistan's Babar Azam. Beyond the records, Rohit Sharma has won the hearts of millions with his exceptional batting, aggressive captaincy, and candid stump mic conversations. His presence on the field transformed the way people view cricket.
Virat Kohli, who made his T20I debut in June 2010, played 125 games for India in the format, scoring 4188 runs, which included one century and 38 half-centuries. He won two Player of the Tournament awards in the T20 World Cups of 2014 and 2016. Over the years, Virat Kohli has nearly achieved the stature of his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, breaking records, finishing games, and being his authentic self on the field. He has inspired millions across industries and is truly one of the greatest of all time.
In 2011, after winning the 50-over World Cup, a reporter asked Sachin Tendulkar who he thought could break or come close to his records. Tendulkar replied that there were two young lads in the same room—Virat and Rohit—who could bring laurels to the country. Mr. Tendulkar, you were absolutely right. They have done it time and again, making the nation proud.
Image Source: X(ICC/BCCI)
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