Shortly after leading India to a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the Twenty20 World Cup final, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from international T20 matches, following Virat Kohli’s decision.
“This was my last game as well,” Sharma declared during the press conference after Saturday’s final, which ended India’s 13-year wait for a major tournament victory. “There couldn’t have been a better moment to bid farewell to this format.”
Sharma, aged 37, holds the record for the highest runs scored in T20 internationals for India, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches, including five centuries. This latest T20 World Cup triumph marks his second, having previously won the inaugural tournament in 2007.
He has been a part of every T20 World Cup since its inception, a feat matched only by Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan.
“I’ve cherished every moment of this journey. T20 cricket marked the beginning of my international career,” Sharma reflected. “Winning this trophy was my dream, and I am grateful to achieve it.”
Despite Kohli’s struggle for form throughout most of the tournament, he delivered a pivotal performance in the final with 76 runs off 59 balls. Meanwhile, Sharma finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 257 runs at a strike rate exceeding 156, including crucial half-centuries against Australia in the Super Eight and England in the semifinals.
Sharma confirmed his availability to continue playing Test and One-Day International cricket for India.
India’s previous major tournament victory was the 2011 ODI World Cup, hosted in their own country. Since then, they have experienced several heartbreaks, notably losing the 50-over World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad in November.
Additionally, they suffered defeat to Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval last summer.
“It was an emotional journey, and this victory means a lot to me,” Sharma expressed. “I had a strong desire to achieve this, and I am delighted that we finally crossed the finish line.”
