(BCCI Photo)
Amid the celebration of India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years, Rohit Sharma surprised many by announcing his retirement from T20I cricket just over an hour after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
“No better time to say goodbye,” said Rohit alluding to the fact that he’s bowing out on a high having just won his first world cup as India captain – second as a player. “This was my last game as well. I’ve enjoyed since the time I started playing this format. I’ve loved every moment of this. This is what I wanted – I wanted to win the cup.”
Nearly two weeks after the historic win, Rohit Sharma addressed his future in Tests and ODIs during an event in Dallas (USA), providing clarity on his plans going forward.
“I just said it, I don’t look that far ahead. So clearly, you will be seeing me play for a while,” Rohit said when asked about his plans once he’s done playing cricket.
Rohit Sharma reflected on the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, recalling a pivotal moment when the match appeared to be slipping away from India’s control. At one stage, South Africa required just 30 runs from 30 deliveries with six wickets in hand, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller posing a formidable threat in the middle.
India staged a remarkable turnaround from that point and secured a thrilling victory by seven runs.
“I was completely blank because I don’t think too far ahead. I focus on the situation. It was important for all of us to stay calm and execute our plans. So when they needed 30 off 30, the pressure was on us and the five overs that we bowled then, it showed we did our job calmly, didn’t panic which was very good from our side,” Rohit said.
