Virat Kohli : In a dramatic turn of events that sent ripples through the cricketing world, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 International cricket right after leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. The setting was nothing short of cinematic: a packed Kensington Oval in Barbados, with millions watching worldwide, as India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by narrowly defeating South Africa by seven runs.
Let’s have a look into more details: Virat Kohli Bids Adieu to T20Is
Kohli’s Stellar Farewell Performance
Kohli’s announcement came on the heels of a masterful performance in the final, where he scored a match winning 76 off 59 balls. His innings was a masterclass in resilience and skill, lifting India from a precarious position of 34 for three to a defendable total of 176 for seven. Kohli’s calm under pressure was emblematic of his storied career, earning him the Player of the Match award in what turned out to be his swansong in T20Is.
“This Was My Last T20 World Cup” – Kohli
Speaking to the broadcaster immediately after the match, Kohli revealed his decision to retire from the shortest format of the game.
“This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli said, his voice tinged with a mix of joy and nostalgia. “One day you feel like you can’t get a run, and this happens. God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup.”
Kohli’s words echoed a sense of fulfillment and a desire to make way for the next generation of cricketers. “It’s been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit [Sharma], he’s played nine T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it,” he added, paying tribute to his long time teammate.
A Journey of Highs and Lows
Virat Kohli’s T20I career is a tale of incredible highs and some challenging lows. Emerging from the bustling by-lanes of Delhi, Kohli transformed into a cricketing giant, becoming one of India’s most revered players. His statistics in T20Is are nothing short of phenomenal:
- Highest Run Scorer in T20 World Cups: Kohli amassed 1292 runs in T20 World Cup tournaments, more than any other player in history.
- Second Highest Run Scorer in T20Is: With 4188 runs, Kohli is only behind his teammate and captain, Rohit Sharma, in the all-time T20I run-scorers list.
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era. His journey from a young prodigy to a cricketing legend has inspired millions. Under his leadership and through his individual brilliance, India saw numerous memorable victories and thrilling matches.
As Kohli steps away from T20Is, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire the future generation of cricketers. His emphasis on fitness, his aggressive playing style, and his undying passion for the game have set new benchmarks in cricket.
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FAQ
When did Virat Kohli announce his T20I retirement?
On June 22, 2024, after winning the T20 World Cup
