India’s skipper Rohit Sharma decided to retire from T20 Internationals after leading the team to its second World Cup win in this format. He felt it was the right moment to “say goodbye”.

Shortly after Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket, India captain Rohit Sharma announced his decision to step away from the shortest format of the game on Saturday, June 29.

The two cricketers chose to end their T20I journey following India’s thrilling victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. Kohli decided to retire after winning the Player of the Match award at the Kensington Oval, while Rohit confirmed his decision during a press conference after the win.

Rohit Sharma bids farewell to T20Is after T20 World Cup triumph

“That was my last game as well. Honestly, I’ve cherished every moment since I began playing this format. There’s no better time to bid farewell to it. I’ve loved every bit of it. I started my India career with T20Is, and this is how I wanted to finish—winning the Cup and saying goodbye,” Rohit shared, even as reporters in Barbados encouraged him to continue playing.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma clarified that he will “very much” continue playing ODIs and Tests, emphasizing that he has retired only from T20 internationals.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma concluded their T20I careers on a high note, securing a World Cup title together for India for the first time. Kohli’s impactful 76 off 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, helping India reach 176 runs after being put in to bat first. India clinched victory by 7 runs in the thrilling final against South Africa to claim their second T20 World Cup trophy.

For Rohit Sharma, this victory marked the end of a long quest for a title as captain. Having faced disappointment in recent years, including a semifinal loss in the 2022 T20 World Cup and setbacks in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup, Rohit’s emotions overflowed as he celebrated on the field after the final delivery.

He jubilantly danced while collecting the T20 World Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony and proudly posed with Virat Kohli, holding the Indian flag together at the Kensington Oval.

India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup marked a significant moment for MS Dhoni, prompting him to break his social media silence to celebrate the Indian team victory. Despite his infrequent online presence, Dhoni took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, describing India’s win as an early and priceless birthday gift. The photo he posted captured the essence of the Indian team achievement, reflecting Dhoni’s pride in their historic performance.

The final, held in Barbados, saw India clinch victory by seven runs against South Africa, securing their unbeaten title in the tournament. Dhoni, renowned for his leadership during India’s first T20 World Cup win in 2007 and subsequent triumphs in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, expressed immense satisfaction at witnessing another milestone in Indian cricket history.

MS Dhoni Breaks Silence: Celebrating India’s T20 World Cup Triumph

“WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what u guys did,” Dhoni wrote on Instagram.

“From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS. arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift,” he added.

Despite several close calls in ICC events since 2013, where India reached five finals but finished as runners-up each time, the team’s perseverance paid off. Their 11-year quest for another global trophy concluded dramatically with a thrilling win over South Africa at Kensington Oval. Notable performances by Virat Kohli, who scored 76, and Axar Patel, with a crucial 47, helped India post a competitive total of 176/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Dhoni’s return to social media underscored the joy and significance of the moment for both himself and Indian cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His message of gratitude and celebration resonated deeply, marking this victory as a testament to the team’s resilience and skill on the international stage.