Barely an hour after guiding India to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the Twenty20 World Cup final, Rohit Sharma joined fellow star batter Virat Kohli in announcing his retirement from international T20 matches.
“This was my last game as well,” Sharma said at the press conference after Saturday’s final, which broke a 13-year long drought for India at major tournaments. “No better time to say goodbye to this format.”
Rohit Sharma, 37, is the format’s highest scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches for India, with five centuries. Saturday’s breakthrough win was his second T20 World Cup success after winning the inaugural tournament in 2007. He has played in every T20 World Cup tournament since, with only Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan doing likewise.
“I’ve loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format,” Sharma said. “This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup and say thank you.”

Rohit Sharma’s Legacy
While Kohli struggled for form for the majority of the tournament before his man-of-the-match innings of 76 off 59 balls in the final. Sharma finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 257 runs at a strike rate of over 156. Including game-turning half-centuries against Australia in the Super Eight and England in the semifinal. Sharma said he would continue to be available to play tests and one-day internationals for India.
India’s last major tournament success was at the ODI World Cup it hosted in 2011. They also lost the World Test Championship final to the same opponent at The Oval last summer.
“It was very emotional, I wanted this badly,” Sharma said. “I was very desperate for this in my life, so I’m happy we crossed the line this time.”
Rohit Sharma’s T20I Career Highlights
Rohit Sharma’s illustrious T20I career is marked by numerous achievements and records. Here are some of the highlights:
- Highest Run-Scorer: Rohit is the highest run-scorer in T20I history, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches.
- Most Centuries: He holds the record for the most centuries in T20Is, with five centuries to his name.
- Consistent Performances: Rohit has been a consistent performer in T20 World Cups, playing in every edition since the tournament’s inception in 2007.
- T20 World Cup Titles: He has been part of two T20 World Cup-winning teams, first in 2007 and then as captain in 2024.
- Memorable Knocks: His 41-ball 92 against Australia in the Super 8s clash is one of the most memorable innings in T20 history.
Virat Kohli’s Illustrious T20I Career
Two of India’s greatest ever cricketers – Virat and Rohit Sharma- announced their T20I retirements on Saturday, after the side’s second T20 World Cup win. While Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the historic triumph. India captain Rohit Sharma announced it in the official post-match press conference. Rohit, who played a crucial role in India’s triumphant campaign, confirmed that he would continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.
Rohit, whose searing 41-ball 92-run knock in the Super 8s clash against Australia would be remembered for years to come, said he was ‘desperate’ for the title.
“This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” Rohit told the post-match press conference after ending India’s over-a-decade long title drought. “This is what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time,” he added. http://timesnow.com
Rohit Sharma’s Impactful T20I Career
His retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career during which he became the format’s highest scorer, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name. His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win. Now, as captain, he has led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.
The final match against South Africa was a nail-biter, with India defending a target of 176 runs. The Proteas, needing 30 runs from the last 30 deliveries, appeared to have the upper hand. However, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve in the crucial moments. Pandya, in particular, shone in the final over, successfully defending 16 runs and sealing a dramatic seven-run victory for India.
This triumph was particularly special for Rohit, who had experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing career. The win was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma 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.”
Virat Kohli’s T20I Career Highlights
Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation, also announced his retirement from international T20 cricket, marking the end of an extraordinary career. As Kohli steps away from the T20 format, his contributions to Indian cricket and his remarkable achievements leave an enduring legacy. Here are the highlights of Virat Kohli’s illustrious T20I career:
- Consistent Run-Scorer: Throughout his T20I career, Kohli has consistently scored runs, often being the backbone of India’s batting lineup.
- Most Runs in T20 World Cups: Kohli holds the record for the most runs in T20 World Cups, amassing 1141 runs across multiple tournaments.
- Numerous Accolades: Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure has seen him win numerous awards, including multiple Player of the Tournament awards in T20 World Cups.
- Memorable Performances: Some of his most memorable performances include his match-winning knocks against Australia and Pakistan in the World Cups.
A Dual Legacy
Together, Sharma and Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket, their contributions instrumental in numerous victories over the years. Their departure from T20Is leaves a void, but their records, achievements, and the inspiration they have provided to millions will remain forever etched in the annals of cricket history. As Indian cricket moves forward, the foundation laid by these legends will undoubtedly guide the future generations toward continued success. http://viralenews.com