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SPORTS JULY 05, 2024 | The Indian Eye 48

T20 WORLD CUP

A Celebration of Greatness:

India honors Rohit, Virat and Jadeja

as they Retire from T20Is

In 2024, the T20 cricket landscape is set to change significantly with the retirement of several key players

ARCHAN MEHTA
San Jose, CA
he Board of Control for Crick-
et in India (BCCI) honored
TRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
after India’s thrilling seven-run victory
against South Africa in the T20 World
Cup final. Both players announced
their retirement from T20 Interna-
tional cricket, marking the end of an Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walk into the pitch for their final innings in the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday (ANI)
era for Indian cricket. Sharma and
Kohli have been instrumental in In- achievement. Sharma also praised his Cup match against Pakistan in 2022, notable performances, such as his eco-
dia’s success and have inspired many teammates, especially Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli stepped up for India in nomical bowling against Australia in
young cricketers. Their retirement and expressed deep gratitude to coach Melbourne. India had a tough start, 2012 and his match-winning perfor-
paves the way for new players to take Rahul Dravid for his support. Shar- losing wickets early in their chase of mances in the 2021 T20 World Cup
over, who will benefit from the lega- ma’s leadership and batting prowess 160 runs. But Kohli, along with team- against Namibia. Jadeja’s quickfire
cy and standards set by these legends. have left a lasting legacy, setting high mate Hardik Pandya, put together 44 runs against Australia in 2020 and
The BCCI’s heartfelt message, “An standards for future generations. a crucial partnership to keep India’s his highest T20I score of 46 not out
Era Comes to An End in T20Is! The Virat Kohli, often referred to as hopes alive. The pressure was on in against England in 2022 are highlights
Aura Will Stay Forever!”, reflects the the “chase-master,” ended his T20 the final overs, but Kohli rose to the of his career. Jadeja’s versatility and
immense respect and admiration they International career on a high note, occasion with two huge sixes off the contributions in the field have made
hold for these two cricketing giants. announcing his retirement after be- last two balls of the 19th over. His him a valuable player for India, even
Rohit Sharma, known for his ag- ing named Player of the Match in incredible batting helped India inch as he bids farewell to the T20I format.
gressive batting style, accumulated the World Cup final. Kohli’s 76-run closer to victory, and they ultimately In 2024, the T20 cricket landscape
over 4231 runs in 159 T20I matches. innings was pivotal in setting up a won in a dramatic last-ball finish. This is set to change significantly with the
His strategic acumen as a captain competitive total for India. Known for performance is remembered as one of retirement of several key players. Not
was crucial, particularly during the his consistency and powerful hitting, the greatest T20 international innings only Indian team usher in new era,
T20 World Cup final where his deci- Kohli averaged nearly 50 runs per in- of recent times. two more cricket legends, Australia’s
sion to bat first led to a memorable ning in T20Is. His performance in the Ravindra Jadeja, often seen as a David Warner and New Zealand’s
victory. Sharma’s career is filled with 2024 World Cup final was a testament “bits and pieces” player, quietly an- Trent Boult, have confirmed that the
notable performances, such as his re- to his ability to deliver in crucial mo- nounced his retirement from T20I 2024 T20 World Cup will be their last.
cord-breaking 118 runs off 43 balls ments. Kohli’s retirement marks the cricket following the retirements of Warner, known for his explosive bat-
against Sri Lanka in 2017, and his re- end of a remarkable T20I career, but Sharma and Kohli. Known for his all- ting at the top of the order, has been
cent century against Afghanistan in he is confident in the young talent round abilities, Jadeja contributed sig- a mainstay in Australia’s T20 lineup,
the 2024 World Cup. His emotional rising through the ranks and believes nificantly with both bat and ball. De- while Boult, with his exceptional swing
reaction after the World Cup win high- they can continue India’s success in spite his inconsistent impact in T20Is bowling, has been a critical player for
lighted the personal significance of the the format. In a thrilling T20 World compared to ODIs and Tests, he had New Zealand.

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