India skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after guiding the team to its second World Cup title in the format, describing it as the perfect time to “say goodbye”. This significant decision marks the end of an illustrious T20I career that spanned over a decade and included numerous memorable performances.
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The announcement came in the wake of India’s thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in the final, a match that showcased the grit and determination of the Indian team. Rohit’s long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, also chose this moment to bring down the curtain on his fabled T20I career, adding an emotional layer to the celebrations.
“This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” Rohit said during the post-match press conference. “This is what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time,” he added, reflecting the intense desire that drove him throughout his career.
Rohit Sharma, 37, has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, known for his explosive batting and calm leadership. He first led India in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where the team was ousted in the semifinals by eventual champions England. A year later, under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 50-over World Cup at home, only to fall to Australia in the summit clash at Ahmedabad. Despite these setbacks, Rohit’s determination and leadership qualities never waned.
In T20 Internationals, Rohit leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He amassed 4231 runs from 159 matches, including five hundreds and 32 fifties. His ability to score big runs and his knack for performing in crucial matches have earned him a place among the greats of the game. Notably, he holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is, an unbeaten 118 against Sri Lanka in 2017.
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Rohit’s journey in T20 cricket began in 2007, and he quickly established himself as a reliable and dynamic batsman. Over the years, his aggressive style and ability to anchor innings made him a cornerstone of India’s T20 lineup. His leadership qualities came to the forefront when he took over as captain, leading India to numerous series victories and maintaining a high win percentage.
Throughout his career, Rohit has been known for his ability to adapt to different formats of the game. His consistency and flair in T20s, combined with his strategic acumen, have made him one of the most respected figures in the cricketing world. As a captain, he has been praised for his calm demeanor and his ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.
Rohit will continue to be active in the Test and ODI formats, where his experience and skill will be invaluable as India aims for more success on the global stage. His retirement from T20Is marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. As fans and teammates celebrate his contributions, Rohit Sharma’s farewell from T20Is will be remembered as a defining moment in Indian cricket history.
