Virat Kohli Announces His Retirement From T20Is After India Lifts the T20 World Cup

June 29, 2024 0 965

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after leading India to a thrilling T20 World Cup victory over South Africa.

India ended their 17-year T20 World Cup drought with a thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa in the final. Batting first, India posted a competitive 176 runs on the board thanks to a crucial partnership between Virat Kohli (76 runs) and Axar Patel (47 runs). Early wickets threatened India, but Kohli anchored the innings.

South Africa’s chase began poorly, with both openers dismissed cheaply. However, a valiant effort from Quinton de Kock and David Miller kept their hopes alive. The Proteas needed 16 runs off the final over, but Hardik Pandya dismissed Miller with the first ball, securing the win for India.

After the extraordinary nail-biting win, a rather sorrowful announcement from Virat Kohli came out as India’s star batter officially declared his retirement from the T20Is. Notably, Kohli ended his career as the highest run scorer in T20 World Cups.

In the post-match interview, Kohli opened up about his retirement. “Well, this was my last T20 World Cup. This is exactly what we wanted to achieve. I was playing my last T20I game for India. We just wanted to lift the World Cup. It was an open secret. This was going to be my last T20I World Cup game for India. It’s the start of the new cycle. There are a lot of young guys coming forward to take the team further,” said Kohli.

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Kohli also shared his feelings upon lifting the trophy. “Look, it’s been a long wait for us to win the ICC tournament. Not for me as well, Rohit as well. He has played in nine T20 World Cups, and he deserves to win. The other guys are in the squad as well. I’m grateful and filled with gratitude. It’s difficult. The character that the guys have shown throughout this game has been incredible. After some time, the emotions will settle. But I’m really thankful,” concluded the ex-skipper of the Indian cricket team.