In a stunning turn of events, Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, announced his retirement from T20 internationals right after India’s triumphant victory over South Africa in Barbados on Saturday.

Kohli, who is regarded as one of India’s greatest cricketers, expressed that it was time for the next generation to take the helm. From the by-lanes of Delhi to the pinnacle of world cricket, Kohli’s T20I career has seen numerous highs and lows, culminating in this perfect farewell.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma hugs an emotional Hardik after India win T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa

The Farewell Announcement

“This was my last T20 World Cup; this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli shared with the broadcasters following India’s end to an 11-year ICC title drought. “One day you feel like you can’t get a run, and then this happens. God is great. It was a now-or-never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup.”

When asked by Harsha Bhogle if he was officially announcing his retirement, Kohli confirmed, “Yes, I have. This was an open secret. It’s not something I wouldn’t have announced even if we had lost. It’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Reflecting on the long-awaited victory, Kohli remarked, “It’s been a long wait for us, 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. It’s been difficult to hold back emotions, and I think it’s going to sink in later. It’s an amazing day, and I’m thankful.”

A remarkable career

Virat Kohli’s career is distinguished by his rare achievement of winning both the ODI and T20 World Cups. Kohli made his T20I debut in 2010 and participated in several T20 World Cups, each time facing disappointment until the 2024 edition. In this tournament, Kohli emerged as the savior, especially after India’s rocky start against South Africa. His gritty knock of 76 off 59 balls helped India set a record high total of 176/7 in a T20 World Cup final.

A touching farewell

In a scene reminiscent of 2011 when he carried his idol on his shoulders after India’s World Cup victory, Kohli was seen embracing everyone around him, sharing the joy and relief of this monumental win. This victory not only ended India’s long wait for an ICC title but also marked a fitting end to Kohli’s illustrious T20I career.

Most POTM awards in T20Is
16 – Virat Kohli (125 mats)*
15 – Suryakumar Yadav (68)
14 – Rohit Sharma (159)
14 – Sikandar Raza (86)
14 – Mohd Nabi (129)
14 – Virandeep Singh (78)