(Source X)
On Sunday (June 30), Suresh Raina penned a heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following their retirement from T20 International cricket. The veteran batsmen bid farewell to their illustrious T20I careers after India clinched a thrilling victory over South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday.
India secured their second T20 World Cup title, their first since 2007, with a hard-fought 7-run win. Rohit Sharma, who was also part of the victorious 2007 squad, now stands as the sole Indian player to have won the tournament twice. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli lifted the trophy for the first time in his career.
Batting first, India recovered from a precarious 34 for 3 to post a competitive total of 176 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite Rohit Sharma’s dismissal without significant contribution in the final, Virat Kohli returned to form with a crucial 76-run innings when it mattered most.
In response, South Africa appeared poised to chase down the target comfortably, reaching 151 for 4 after 16 overs with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller at the crease. However, India’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, restricting South Africa to 169 for 8 by the end of their innings and sealing a historic victory.
Following Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s announcement that the ICC T20 World Cup final against South Africa marked their last T20I appearance for Team India—Kohli revealing it in the post-match presentation and Rohit in the subsequent press conference—Suresh Raina expressed his tribute on X (formerly Twitter).
Raina extended heartfelt congratulations to his former teammates, praising their remarkable T20I careers. He emphasized how their dedication and passion for the game have served as inspiration to millions of fans worldwide.
“Witnessing you both, @imVkohli & @ImRo45, lift the T20 World Cup was a feeling beyond words!
“Many congratulations my brothers for an incredible T20 career! 🏆 Sharing the dressing room with you has been an absolute privilege and honor. Your dedication and passion have inspired millions. Best wishes for your future endeavors, legends!” wrote Suresh Raina.
