Indian Cricket Legend Virat Kohli Retires from T20 Internationals Post T20 World Cup Win
Amit Singh
Pune, 30 June 2024: Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian cricketer and former captain, has announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India’s victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they clinched their second title. Kohli made the declaration shortly after his stellar performance in the final against South Africa, where he scored a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.
“This is my last T20 World Cup and my last T20 game playing for India,” Kohli stated in a heartfelt post-match interview. “I wanted to make the most of this opportunity, and lifting the ICC trophy was our ultimate goal. It’s time for the next generation to take over, and I have full confidence in the talented players who will lead India forward in T20 cricket.”
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Kohli emphasized the significance of winning an ICC tournament after a prolonged wait. “It’s been a long journey, waiting for this moment. Winning this World Cup means a lot, not just to me but to the entire squad,” he expressed, acknowledging the collective effort that led to India’s triumph.
Throughout his illustrious T20I career spanning 125 matches, Kohli amassed 4188 runs at an impressive average of 48.69 and a striking rate of 137.04. Despite a challenging tournament leading up to the final, Kohli’s resilience and determination shone through in the decisive match, where he played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
“I couldn’t have imagined this scenario considering how my tournament had unfolded earlier,” Kohli admitted. “It’s a humbling experience, a great lesson for me to put aside ego and focus on the team’s success. Today’s win is a testament to staying composed and respecting the game,” he added, reflecting on his mindset during the final.
Acknowledging his partnership with Rohit Sharma, Kohli highlighted their shared commitment to achieving success in T20 cricket before stepping down. “Rohit and I have always spoken about winning a World Cup in this format. Today, we’ve achieved that goal together,” he remarked, underscoring their leadership and camaraderie on and off the field.
