The T20 World Cup triumph last month ended India’s 17-year wait for the biggest title in the shortest format. It was India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years. The last was the Champions Trophy in 2013 that they won under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

After the T20 World Cup win, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have announced their retirement from T20 Internationals.

Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the historic triumph. Rohit announced it in the official post match press conference. All three players will continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.

Kohli after receiving the Player of the Match award in the final said: “This was my last T20 game playing for India and it’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.”

Kohli ended his T20I career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches with a strike rate of 137 including one century and 38 fifties.

Kohli and Rohit have been instrumental in shaping modern Indian cricket. Their contributions go beyond mere statistics, influencing team dynamics, inspiring the next generation, and elevating India’s status on the global cricket stage.

After a poor run throughout the tournament, Kohli proved in the final that he is a big match player by scoring a half-century.

In his T20I career, Kohli has won 16 Player-of-the-Match awards, the most by any player. He also holds the record for being Player of the Series six times, including twice in T20 World Cups (2014, 2016). He also won 8 Player-of-the-Match awards in the T20 World Cup history.

Kohli scored 1292 runs in T20 World Cup history, the highest by any player. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2014 edition with 319 runs, the most by any player in a single tournament edition. He also topped the charts in the 2022 edition with 296 runs.

Kohli’s average of 58.72 in T20 World Cups is the highest among the 34 players who have scored 500+ runs in the tournament. He has 15 scores of 50+ in 33 innings.

Just after Kohli, Rohit announced his retirement. “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,” he said. “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.”

Rohit ended his illustrious T20I career as the format’s highest scorer with 4,231 from 159 matches, with a good strike rate of over 140. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 Internationals — he scored five centuries.

His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win and at the end of his career he led India to their second title. Rohit, known as ‘the Hitman’, brings a different kind of brilliance to Indian cricket. His ability to score big runs, especially in limited-overs cricket, has made him one of the most feared openers in the world. Rohit’s journey, from a middle-order batsman to a record-breaking opener, is a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Rohit also holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI (264 runs) and has three double centuries to his name, a feat no other player has achieved. His knack for playing long innings and his ability to accelerate the scoring rate at will have been crucial in many of India’s successes.

In T20 cricket, his explosive starts and big-hitting capabilities provide the team with a solid foundation, often setting or chasing daunting targets.

Together, Kohli and Rohit form a formidable pair. Their contrasting styles complement each other perfectly. While Kohli’s aggression and consistency anchor the innings, Rohit’s explosive batting at the top sets the tone for the team. Their partnership has often been the backbone of India’s batting lineup, providing stability and fireworks when needed.

Off the field, both players have a significant impact as well. Their popularity and influence extend to the realm of endorsements, social media, and youth engagement. They have become role models for aspiring cricketers, embodying the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and excellence.

Kohli and Rohit are more than just cricketers; they are icons who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Their contributions in terms of runs, leadership, and inspiration have been invaluable. As they step away from the game, their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

After the two greats, Jadeja also hung his boots. In an Instagram post, he disclosed: “With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 Internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats.”

In his 74 T20Is, Jadeja scored 515 runs, averaging 21.45. But he failed to score a fifty in the shortest format. His 46 not out against England is the best score.

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