On Saturday, the Men in Blue got their hands on an ICC prize for the first time in 11 years by beating South Africa in a thrilling final by seven runs in Barbados. In doing so, they became the first team to go the entire tournament undefeated.
India played, and won, eight of the nine scheduled games, with the match-up against Canada being declared a ‘No Result’ in the group stage due to the wet outfield.
Not only was the victory a remarkable team effort, but it also marked redemption for Rohit.
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Rohit retires from T20 internationals, and erases memories of Ahmedabad
Just over seven months ago, the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad ended in heartbreak for the India talisman and his team, as they suffered a devastating loss to Australia.
That defeat left a deep mark on the skipper, who had hoped to lift the prestigious trophy on home soil.
Saturday’s win at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown erased the painful memories of Ahmedabad, and proved that dedication can turn despair into triumph.
It also convinced Rohit that the time is right to now step aside.
What has Rohit said about retiring?
The outgoing India captain was understandably reflective in his post-match press conference.
“This was my last game as well,” he said, referring to Virat Kohli’s earlier announcement that he will be retiring from T20Is too.
“I’ve enjoyed since the time I started playing this format. Better a time to say goodbye to this format. I’ve loved every moment of this,” he added.
This is what I wanted — I wanted to win the cup.
Rohit Sharma reflects on retiring from T20Is after lifting the World Cup for India
“This has to be the greatest time (of his career). I can say that. It’s only because of how desperately I wanted to win this. All the runs that I’ve scored in all these years, it does matter but I’m not big on stats and all of that.
“Winning games for India, winning trophies for India — that is what I look forward to all the time.”
After that emotional speech, Rohit took the applause from the assembled media — Indian and otherwise — in what was a fitting way to mark the end of one of the game’s truly glittering T20 international careers.
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Virat Kohli to retire from T20Is, joins Rohit in stepping aside for “next generation”
Prior to Rohit’s announcement, Virat Kohli had earlier confirmed that the 2024 edition is his last T20 World Cup for the country.
Kohli was the star of the show in the final, scoring 76 off 59 deliveries to guide his team to a total of 176 runs. India eventually won the game by seven runs, and “King Kohli” was awarded the Man Of The Match.
Afterwards, he spoke about performing and outshining others on the big day after a lacklustre tournament he had had to that point.
The star batter also revealed how the next generation of cricketers will take Team India to greater heights, and keep the Indian flag waving high.
“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve,” he said. “One day you feel you can’t get a run, then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered.”
[It was] now or never, last T20 for India, [I] wanted to make the most of it. Wanted to lift the cup, wanted to respect the situation rather than force it.
Virat Kohli announces his retirement from T20Is following India’s World Cup win.
“This (retirement) was an open secret, it’s time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high.”