In a momentous end to an illustrious T20 International career, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game following India’s nail-biting seven-run victory over South Africa in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. The triumph marked India’s second World T20 title, with Kohli playing a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant 76 off 59 balls in the final. His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award, adding yet another accolade to his storied career.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, an emotional Kohli reflected on his journey and the significance of the victory. “This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” he said. “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.”
Kohli’s announcement of his retirement, though not unexpected, sent waves through the cricketing community. “Yes I have (announced my retirement from T20Is), this was an open secret. It was not something that I wasn’t going to announce even if we had lost. It’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward. It’s been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit, he’s played 9 T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it.”
Kohli’s T20I career, which began in June 2010, saw him amass 4,188 runs in 125 matches, including one century and 38 half-centuries. His tally makes him the second-highest run-getter in T20Is, trailing only behind his compatriot Rohit Sharma. Kohli’s consistency, aggression, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the most formidable batsmen in the format.
His retirement from T20Is marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Kohli’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping India’s approach and success in T20 cricket. His leadership, both as a captain and a senior player, has inspired countless young cricketers.
As India celebrates its World Cup victory, the cricketing world also pays tribute to Kohli’s remarkable T20I career. His departure from the format will undoubtedly leave a void, but it also opens the door for the next generation of cricketers to step up and carry forward his legacy.
Virat Kohli’s final T20I innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing the skill, determination, and flair that have defined his career. As he steps away from T20Is, his fans and teammates will remember him not just for his runs and records, but for the passion and pride with which he represented India.
