Bridgetown, June 30: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma -- two of the modern day greats of cricket -- announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after India's ICC T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados, Saturday.

Rohit shared his retirement news with the media soon after Kohli hung up his boots from the shortest format of the game. Rohit, who played a crucial role in India's triumphant campaign, confirmed that he would continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.

"This was my last (T20I) game as well," Rohit revealed during the post-match press conference. "No better time to say goodbye to this format. I've loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup. I wanted this badly. Very hard to put in words. It was a very emotional moment for me. I was very desperate for this title in my life. Happy that we eventually crossed the line."

His announcement came on the heels of India’s second T20 World Cup title, a victory that brought immense joy and pride to the nation.

His retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career during which he became the format's highest scorer, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name.

His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India's first title win. Now, as captain, he has led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.

This triumph was particularly special for Rohit, who had experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing career. The win was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma said, "I've loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup."

His retirement follows that of his long-time teammate, Kohli, who also announced his departure from T20Is after the World Cup. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket, their contributions instrumental in numerous victories over the years.

As the final delivery was bowled and India clinched the victory, the crowd erupted in jubilation. Kohli, awarded the Player of the Match, stood tall, visibly emotional yet composed. In the post-match presentation, he addressed the audience and his fans with heartfelt words.

"This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve," Kohli began, his voice resonating with pride and relief. "One day you feel like you can't get a run and this happens, God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup."

His announcement, though expected by those close to him, still sent a wave of emotions through the cricketing world. "Yes I have (announced my retirement from T20Is), this was an open secret. It was not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. It's time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward. It's been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit, he's played 9 T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it."

Kohli's T20 journey began in June 2010. Over 14 years, he featured in 125 T20Is, amassing 4188 runs, which included one century and 38 half centuries. His relentless dedication and passion for the game made him the second-highest run-getter in T20Is, just behind his teammate Rohit.

(IANS)

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