GUWAHATI: In a surprising turn of events, following Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli's announcement, captain Rohit Sharma has also bid farewell to the T20 format after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup. This triumph marked a fitting end to Rohit's illustrious T20I career, which began with India's win in the 2007 World Cup.
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By retiring from T20Is, Rohit also relinquished the captaincy he has held for over two years. However, he assured fans that he will continue to represent India in Test and ODI formats. Rohit made his announcement shortly after Kohli declared his retirement from T20Is.
"This was my last game as well," Rohit said during the post-match press conference, echoing Kohli's earlier statement. "I've enjoyed this format since I started playing it. There's no better time to say goodbye. I've loved every moment, and winning the cup was my ultimate goal."
Rohit dedicated the T20 World Cup victory to coach Rahul Dravid, expressing his gratitude for Dravid's decades-long contribution to Indian cricket. "What he has done for Indian cricket over the past 20, 25 years, this was the only thing left. I am very happy on behalf of the entire team that we could do this for him," Rohit said.
He also praised his teammates, singling out bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, and lauded the retiring Kohli. "I am very lucky to have players like this in my squad, players who play for me and Team India. I am really grateful and thankful," he added.
When asked if this victory was the pinnacle of his career, Rohit affirmed it as one of his top moments. "This has to be the greatest time. I can say that. It's because of how desperately I wanted to win this. All the runs I've scored over the years matter, but I'm not big on stats. Winning games and trophies for India is what I always look forward to," he said.
The atmosphere was jubilant as Rohit lifted the trophy he had long desired. Seventeen years after helping India secure the inaugural T20 World Cup with a crucial 30 runs, he stood center stage once again. The heartbreak of seven months ago seemed like a distant memory.
With 4,231 runs in 159 games, Rohit retires as the highest run-scorer in T20Is, holding the record for the most centuries (five) in the format. He leaves behind a legacy that includes two T20 World Cup victories: the first as a player in 2007, and the latest in 2024 as captain.