(Source X)
Ian Smith was full of admiration for Virat Kohli following his decision to retire from T20 internationals, which he learned about during the post-match ceremony of the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Kohli, who secured all ICC white-ball trophies with India’s victory in the final, had previously clinched his first ICC trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in the 2011 World Cup and also contributed to the team’s success in the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Despite entering the 2024 T20 World Cup final with less-than-ideal batting form, Kohli came through when it mattered most. He had struggled with just 75 runs from his first seven innings at a disappointing average of 10.71 and a strike rate of 100. Despite this, team management showed no concerns regarding his form.
In the crucial final match against South Africa, Kohli played a pivotal role after India lost early wickets. His innings of 76 runs from 59 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and two sixes, propelled India to a competitive total of 176/7 in 20 overs. India’s bowlers then successfully defended the target, restricting South Africa to 168/8, securing India’s second T20 World Cup title.
For his outstanding performance in the final, Kohli was rightfully awarded the “Player of the Match” accolade. It was during the subsequent post-match presentation that Kohli made the unexpected announcement of his retirement from T20 internationals.
We Didn’t Realize That – Ian Smith
From the commentary box as India jubilantly lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, Ian Smith shared his observations about Virat Kohli’s batting approach during the crucial phases of the match. Expressing initial concerns about Kohli’s strategy in the middle overs, Smith highlighted how the seasoned campaigner adeptly paced his innings when it mattered most. Ultimately, Kohli’s stellar performance earned him the prestigious Player of the Match award for his pivotal role in India’s triumph.
“We didn’t realize that he was playing his last match for India in T20 cricket. He announced that to Harsha Bhogle straight afterwards. And his innings, at times we thought, was he going quick enough? Was he pacing himself? How many did he feel India needed? He knew it. And he was Player of the Match. Struggled to perform. Just a tear in the eye. The time of the hour, he arrived,” Ian Smith said.
Over 30,000 enthusiastic fans filled the Wankhede Stadium to welcome the victorious Indian team after their parade. Amidst the celebrations, the entire squad, led by Kohli and Sharma, joyously danced to the beats of ‘Chak De India,’ creating an unforgettable spectacle for the passionate crowd. As they took a victory lap in Mumbai, the players also united in singing ‘Vande Mataram,’ adding a poignant touch to the jubilant festivities.
Virat Kohli concluded his T20I journey as India’s second-highest run-getter, accumulating 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an impressive average of 48.69. A veteran of six T20 World Cups spanning from 2012 to 2024, Kohli etched his name in history with a record 1,292 runs in 33 innings, solidifying his status as the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history.
