Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian cricketer, declared that the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup would be his final appearance as a player after India’s victory over South Africa in Barbados. Kohli’s exceptional performance, scoring 76 runs, earned him the Player of the Match award, prompting him to make this announcement.
Reflecting on his last T20 World Cup, Kohli expressed his satisfaction in achieving the team’s goal of winning the tournament. He acknowledged the unpredictability of cricket, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and his desire to win the cup. Kohli revealed that it was an open secret within the team and that he had planned to announce his retirement regardless of the match’s outcome, allowing the next generation of players to lead India in T20 cricket.
In a post-match conversation, Kohli highlighted the importance of winning an ICC tournament after a prolonged period of waiting. He praised his teammate Rohit Sharma for his consistency, noting that Rohit had participated in nine T20 World Cups compared to his six appearances. Kohli mentioned that Rohit deserved the victory and expressed his confidence in the future of T20 cricket with the upcoming generation of players taking the lead.
As the match concluded, Kohli’s announcement marked the end of a significant chapter in his cricket career, leaving a legacy for younger players to strive towards in the T20 format.