(Credit ICC)
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami shared a heartfelt message following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Shami expressed appreciation for the privilege of playing alongside Kohli and Sharma in international cricket.
India ended a 13-year wait for a World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the thrilling T20 World Cup final, securing their second trophy in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli concluded their T20I careers with a victorious farewell.
Mohammed Shami shared his admiration for Virat Kohli’s influence on T20 cricket, emphasizing that Kohli’s leadership and sportsmanship have set new benchmarks. Shami conveyed his gratitude for having had the privilege to play alongside Kohli and extended his best wishes for Kohli’s future endeavors.
“End of an era. Virat bhai, you have taken T20 cricket to new heights with your passion, dedication, and exceptional skills. Your leadership and sportsmanship will always be remembered. Itโs been an honor to play alongside you. Best wishes for your future endeavors. ๐๐๐ฎ๐ณ @virat .kohli #ThankYouVirat #Legend #T20Cricket,” Shami tweeted.
Virat Kohli stepped up in the World Cup final despite his recent form slump, playing a pivotal role in helping India achieve a competitive total after losing three early wickets. He scored 76 runs off 59 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, before getting dismissed by Marco Jansen.
India’s bowlers successfully defended the total of 176 runs in the final showdown. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh delivered crucial performances to secure victory when South Africa needed 30 runs off the final 30 balls. Kohli’s batting performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award for his efforts in the first innings.
Mohammed Shami commended Rohit Sharma’s exceptional journey and leadership in T20 cricket, underscoring the significant impact of his captaincy on the sport. Shami highlighted Rohit’s expertise, commitment, and composed demeanor on the field, emphasizing that these qualities will be sorely missed.
“Captain Rohit, your incredible journey and leadership have left an indelible mark on T20 cricket. Under your captaincy, we achieved great heights, including the T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Your skill, dedication, and calm presence on the field will be greatly missed. Itโs been an honor to play under your leadership. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors. ๐๐๐ฎ๐ณ,” Shami added.
Rohit Sharma has established himself as the leading run-scorer in international T20 cricket. Across 159 matches, the right-handed batsman accumulated 4231 runs at an impressive average of 31.34 and a strike rate of 140.89. His career spanned five centuries and 32 half-centuries, marking a prolific and illustrious journey in the shorter format.
