Virat Kohli Retires from T20 Cricket After India Clinches Second T20 World Cup: Celebs Like Ranveer Singh and Vivek Oberoi React
In the dramatic and emotional finale of the T20 World Cup 2024, India not only won their second T20 World Cup title but also saw one of their great cricketers, Virat Kohli, announce his retirement from T20 Internationals. The announcement came as a surprise to many, ending an illustrious T20 career for Kohli, who has been the backbone of India’s T20 setup for over a decade.
credit to prime
The final match in Barbados was nothing short of nail-biting. India faced a formidable opponent but emerged victorious thanks to a brilliant performance. Kohli’s 59-ball 76 was crucial in setting up a challenging total of 176/7. His innings full of flexibility and strategic shot-making earned him the man of the match award. The win ended India’s 17-year wait for a second T20 World Cup title, a milestone for Indian cricket.
Kohli’s retirement announcement came during the post-match presentation, where he expressed his desire to hand over the reins to the next generation. “It’s time to take the T20 game forward for the next generation,” he said, a sentiment that resonated with fans and teammates alike. Kohli’s decision was expected by some but still, it was a momentous moment in cricket history.
The news of Kohli’s retirement sparked a wave of reactions from fans, cricketers and celebrities. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh took to Instagram to congratulate Team India on their win and bid farewell to Kohli. Ranveer wrote in his story that ‘the king dropped the anchor’. What a way to cap an incredible career.” He also praised other players like Akshar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arsdeep Singh, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya for their contributions to the win. Tweeting, “Total emotional agony this While I’m celebrating #TeamIndia’s win, the legendary @imVkohli just announced that this was his last #T20 game for Team India… It feels like one win and one loss! There are times when our superheroes are missed in T20.”
Virat Kohli has left behind a legacy that is hard to match. With 4188 runs in 125 T20I matches, he is one of the highest run-scorers in the format. His career includes 38 fifties and an average of 52.73 which shows his consistency and skill. Kohli is one of the few cricketers to have won both the ODI and T20 World Cups, a testament to his versatility and leadership.
The emotional weight of Kohli’s retirement was felt not only by the fans but also by his fellow players. Many of the young players in the team, who grew up idolizing Kohli, were seen holding back tears. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who led the team to the win, praised Kohli’s invaluable contribution and expressed his gratitude for playing with him. Mr Perfect Amir Khan also praised the team.
Beyond his stats, Kohli has had a profound impact on and off the field. He has been a role model for fitness and professionalism, inspiring countless young cricketers. His aggressive yet sportsmanlike demeanour has set new standards in Indian cricket. Kohli’s dedication to the game and ability to perform under pressure has made him a legend of modern cricket.
After Kohli’s retirement, the spotlight has now shifted to the next generation of cricketers who will take over. Players like Shibman Gul, Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan are considered to be the future of Indian T20 cricket. Kohli’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but it also provides an opportunity for these young talents to step up and make their mark.
Kohli’s numbers speak volumes about his dominance in T20 cricket. His highest score of 94* came against the West Indies in 2019, and he maintained a strike rate of 138.4 throughout his career. These statistics highlight his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when required, a rare combination in T20 cricket. Some of Kohli’s greatest T20 moments include his unbeaten 82 off 51 balls against Australia in the semi-final of the 2016 T20 World Cup, often regarded as one of the best T20 innings. His 231 in the five-match series against England in 2021 led India to a 3–2 victory. Kohli’s consistency and leadership were crucial throughout the series. His memorable pairings with bowlers like James Anderson, Mitchell Starc, and Jofra Archer have created some of the most thrilling moments in T20 cricket. His ability to dominate bowlers of high quality set him apart. In the final against South Africa, he got Player of the match award.
| Player | Award | Prize |
| Virat Kohli | Player of the Match | $3000 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Player of the Tournament | $15000 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Smart Catch of the Match | $3000 |
Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20 Internationals marks the end of an era. His services to Indian cricket both as a player and a leader are unparalleled. As fans bid farewell to their hero, the cricketing world acknowledges the immense legacy he has left behind. Kohli’s journey from a young, aggressive player to one of the greatest cricketers in history is an inspiration to many. Although his absence will be sorely missed, the foundation he laid for generations to come will continue to benefit Indian cricket for years to come.
While celebrating India’s T20 World Cup win, fans are also celebrating the legend’s career. Kohli’s journey, full of highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, will be remembered as one of the greatest in cricket history. As we look forward to the future of Indian T20 cricket, we are grateful for the memories and milestones of Virat Kohli.
