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Zaheer Khan praised Virat Kohli for his role in advancing Indian cricket to unprecedented levels. As emerging talents are poised to step up, seasoned players like Kohli have decided to make way, mindful of the team’s trajectory. Alongside Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja also chose to retire from T20I cricket following their triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The former World Cup-winning fast bowler remarked that Kohli’s decision to conclude his illustrious T20I career at this historic juncture was perfectly timed, emphasizing that players often choose such significant moments for major announcements. Zaheer highlighted Kohli’s pivotal contributions to Indian cricket, both as a leader and a player, commending him for propelling the national team to unprecedented heights.
He expressed confidence that Kohli’s retirement from T20Is would enable him to channel his focus into ODI and Test cricket, where his influence and contributions remain crucial. Zaheer Khan also underscored that this strategic decision allows Kohli to prioritize his energy and efforts effectively across different formats.
Virat Kohli, the cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, recently declared his retirement from T20I cricket following India’s triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli’s decision to step away from the shortest format came as a surprise to many, announced immediately after India’s exhilarating victory over South Africa in Barbados.
The former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan commented that Kohli chose an opportune moment to conclude his T20I career on a positive note, emphasizing the advancements made in Indian cricket.
Zaheer Khan commends Virat Kohli’s well-timed retirement from T20I cricket.
Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz Live: “I think you look at the T20 format, and you know, you’re always looking at what’s happening in Indian cricket. You know, you have a lot of players who’ve been ready. You know, you can just see that it’s about that time.
And as individuals in the team being part of it, obviously, you know, you played a huge role in taking Indian cricket forward, taking it to the heights. And I think Virat has been in that category, you know, for being a leader, captaining the side, and doing everything. So, you want to actually pick that moment for yourself, you know?”
Zaheer added, “So, this format, obviously, you know, he’s got plenty of work left with regard to the other formats, which he will, I’m sure, continue. But you’ve got to prioritize; you’ve got to focus on things. And you’ve also got to think about where the team is headed. And this is the highest point, isn’t it? You’ve won the World Cup trophy.”
He’s got impeccable timing: Michael Vaughan on Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20Is
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also commended Virat Kohli’s decision to retire at the pinnacle of his T20I career. Vaughan believes that concluding his T20I journey after delivering crucial performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 final and steering India to victory is a fitting farewell for Kohli.
Vaughan said in the same discussion on Cricbuzz Live: “Virat’s got impeccable timing. And I think it’s the perfect way to go out. I mean, he’s just got a good 50 in a World Cup final. He was the backbone of the inning to get them to that decent score. His team has won the World Cup. So, you can’t leave in better circumstances.”
