GUWAHATI: In a stunning conclusion to an illustrious T20 International career, former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the format following India's win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final on Saturday. Kohli, who played a pivotal role as the Player of the Match in the final, stated that it was time for the next generation to take over the reins.
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“This was my last T20 World Cup; this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli said in the post-match broadcast, celebrating India's first global tournament win in 11 years.
Reflecting on his career and the win, Kohli added, “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.”
When asked about his decision to retire, Kohli confirmed, “Yes, I have, this was an open secret. Not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.”
The victory was particularly significant for Kohli, who acknowledged the long wait for an ICC tournament win. “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. It's been difficult to hold things (emotions) back and I think it's going to sink in later. It's an amazing day and I'm thankful.”
Kohli's journey from the by-lanes of Delhi to the pinnacle of world cricket is a testament to his dedication and skill. His T20I career has seen numerous highs and lows, but his final act of leading India to a World Cup triumph will be remembered as a fitting end to a remarkable career.
