India’s cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from T20 International cricket following a historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. The announcement came moments after India defeated South Africa in an exciting final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought.
The T20 World Cup 2024 final on June 29 saw India facing South Africa with India batting first and posting a formidable total of 176/7, setting the highest score in a T20 World Cup final. Kohli’s masterful innings of 76 runs off 59 balls proved crucial in India’s victory, as they successfully defended their total, restricting South Africa to 169/8.
“This was my last t20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve. 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. Now or never, last T20 for India wanted to make the most of it. Wanted to lift the cup, and respect the situation rather than force it. This 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,” Kohli said in the post-match interview.
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I bow my head: Virat Kohli
The 35-year-old batter’s career in T20Is has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having featured in 125 T20Is for India, Kohli scored an impressive 4188 runs, including one century and 38 half-centuries.
“Rohit has played nine T20 World Cups, this is my sixth. He deserves it. I wasn’t confident in the last few games, but grateful and humble right now, and I bow my head. It’s been difficult, and the emotions of the game… it’s difficult to hold things back. The emotions will come later,” he added.
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After India lost early wickets, Kohli anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships with Axar Patel (47) and Shivam Dube (27). His innings, laced with six boundaries and two sixes, proved to be the difference between the two sides.
In response, South Africa’s chase was a rollercoaster ride. Despite valiant efforts from Quinton de Kock (39) and Heinrich Klaasen (52), India’s bowlers, led by Hardik Pandya’s three-wicket haul, held their nerve to secure a seven-run victory.
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