Virat Kohli T20I Retirement : Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket team captain and Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, announced his retirement from T20 Internationals right after India’s historic win over South Africa in the title clash in Barbados on Saturday. Kohli, one of India’s greatest cricketers, declared that it was time for the next generation to take over. For a boy who rose from the by-lanes of Delhi to rule world cricket, it was the perfect culmination of a T20I career marked by numerous highs and some lows as captain.
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“This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli told the broadcasters after India ended an 11-year ICC title drought.
“One day you feel like you can’t get a run and this happens, God is great. (It is) just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup.”
“Yes I have, this was an open secret (retirement). Not something that I wasn’t going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward,” Kohli confirmed when asked by Harsha Bhogle if he was making the official announcement about his retirement.
“It’s been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit (Sharma), he’s played 9 T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it. It’s been difficult to hold things (emotions) back and I think it’s going to sink in later. It’s an amazing day and I’m thankful,” Kohli added.
Virat Kohli is one of those rare cricketers who have won both the ODI and the T20 World Cup. Kohli played his first T20I in 2010 and went on to participate in several T20 World Cups. But every time, India fell short until the 2024 edition, where Kohli emerged as a saviour after India’s challenging start against South Africa. He scored a gritty 76 off 59 balls, leading India to a record high total of 176/7 in a T20 World Cup final.
At the end of his illustrious career, Virat Kohli finished with an impressive tally of 4188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69.
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Kohli’s T20I Journey: A Glorious Career
- Debut: Kohli made his T20I debut in 2010 and quickly became a mainstay in the Indian team.
- T20 World Cup Performances: Despite several strong performances, India often fell short in the T20 World Cups until 2024.
- 2024 World Cup Final: Kohli’s defining moment came in the 2024 final, where his 76 off 59 balls played a pivotal role in India’s victory.
- Career Statistics: Kohli ends his T20I career with 4188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69.
Legacy and Impact
- Leadership: Kohli’s aggressive and passionate leadership style set new standards for the team.
- Batting Prowess: Known for his consistency and match-winning abilities, Kohli has been a role model for many young cricketers.
- ICC Titles: With both ODI and T20 World Cup titles to his name, Kohli’s career is a testament to his exceptional skill and determination.
Future of Indian T20 Cricket
With Kohli stepping down, the mantle now passes to the next generation. Players like Rohit Sharma, who played nine T20 World Cups, and other emerging talents will carry forward the legacy.
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era but also heralds a new beginning for Indian T20 cricket. As fans and teammates celebrate his contributions, the focus now shifts to nurturing the future stars who will continue to elevate India’s stature in the cricketing world.
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FAQs About Virat Kohli’s Retirement from T20 Internationals
**1. When did Virat Kohli announce his retirement from T20 Internationals?
- Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals on June 30, 2024, right after India won the T20 World Cup.
**2. Why did Virat Kohli retire from T20 Internationals?
- Virat Kohli stated that it was time for the next generation to take over and lead India’s T20I team into the future.
**3. What was Virat Kohli’s final match in T20 Internationals?
- His final match was the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, which India won.
**4. How did Virat Kohli perform in his last T20I match?
- Virat Kohli scored a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls, helping India post a competitive total and win the World Cup.
**5. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in his T20I career?
- Virat Kohli finished his T20I career with 4188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69.
**6. How many T20 World Cups did Virat Kohli participate in?
- Virat Kohli participated in six T20 World Cups.
**7. Has Virat Kohli won both the ODI and T20 World Cups?
- Yes, Virat Kohli is one of the rare cricketers to have won both the ODI and T20 World Cups.
**8. What was Kohli’s highest score in T20 Internationals?
- Kohli’s highest score in T20 Internationals was 94 not out.
**9. Who did Virat Kohli succeed as the captain of the Indian T20I team?
- Virat Kohli succeeded MS Dhoni as the captain of the Indian T20I team.
**10. Who will lead the Indian T20I team after Kohli’s retirement?
- The next captain of the Indian T20I team has not been announced yet, but Rohit Sharma is a likely candidate.
**11. What were some of the highs of Virat Kohli’s T20I career?
- Some highlights include his Player of the Tournament awards in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups and his match-winning performances against top teams.
**12. What challenges did Kohli face as a T20I captain?
- Kohli faced challenges such as balancing team selection, managing player injuries, and dealing with the pressure of ICC tournaments.
**13. How has Virat Kohli impacted Indian cricket?
- Virat Kohli has been instrumental in transforming the Indian cricket team with his aggressive captaincy, fitness standards, and consistent performances.
**14. Did Kohli announce his retirement plans before the World Cup?
- Kohli hinted at his retirement but made the official announcement after winning the T20 World Cup.
**15. What was the public reaction to Kohli’s retirement?
- Fans and fellow cricketers expressed their admiration for Kohli’s career and contributions to Indian cricket, with many calling him a legend.
**16. Will Virat Kohli continue playing other formats of cricket?
- As of now, Kohli has only announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. He will continue to play in ODIs and Tests.
**17. What did Kohli say in his retirement speech?
- Kohli expressed gratitude for his career, thanked his teammates and fans, and emphasized the importance of the next generation taking over.
**18. How did Kohli’s teammates react to his retirement?
- Teammates praised Kohli for his leadership, dedication, and impact on the team, celebrating his illustrious career.
**19. What are Kohli’s plans post-retirement from T20Is?
- Kohli has not detailed his post-retirement plans but is expected to focus on ODIs, Tests, and possibly mentoring young cricketers.
**20. Where can fans find more information about Kohli’s retirement?
- Fans can find more information on sports news websites, social media, and the official announcements from the BCCI and Kohli’s social media accounts.