In a significant development, Captain Rohit Sharma has followed Virat Kohli in calling time on his T20I career after India lifted their second T20 World Cup title defeating South Africa in the final.
Addressing the media after the triumph in Bridgetown, 35-year-old Rohit revealed that the 2024 World Cup final was his last appearance in international T20 cricket. “This was my last game in this format. I wanted to finish on a high and there couldn't have been a better stage for it than winning the World Cup,” said the veteran opener.
Rohit's retirement comes after Kohli brought the curtains down on his exploits in T20 cricket late last year after a dismal campaign in the 2021 edition. Both stalwarts have been instrumental in India's rise as a white-ball superpower over the past decade with their prolific runs and charismatic leadership.
While Kohli amassed 3,577 runs in T20Is, Rohit finished as the highest run-getter with 4,231 in 159 matches. He also holds the record for most centuries (5) in the format. Now with these two Titans opting out, it will be interesting to see who leads the team's next phase in this format.
Nonetheless, Rohit and Kohli's immense service and achievement in T20I cricket will continue to inspire the future generation. Their departure leaves big shoes to fill but also opens doors for new talents to stake their claim as India look to sustain their dominance globally.
