Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), following India’s victory over South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final, ending an 11-year global title drought.
Kohli delivered a gutsy half-century in the final, earning him the Player of the Match title. He confirmed during the post-match presentation that it was his final appearance in the shortest format for India. “This was my last T20 World Cup, and we achieved what we wanted,” he said.
Reflecting on his career and the match, Kohli expressed gratitude. “Some days you struggle for runs, but then things align. I’m thankful I could perform when it counted most,” he stated.
Kohli emphasized his desire to step aside for younger talent. “It’s time for the next generation to take over. We have amazing players ready to keep our flag flying high,” he noted.
During an interview, when asked if he expected a farewell similar to Sachin Tendulkar’s in 2011, Kohli pointed to Rohit Sharma’s greater deservingness. “Rohit has played in nine T20 World Cups; this is only my sixth. He deserves this moment,” Kohli remarked.
India’s win marked their second T20 World Cup victory, the first under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007. It also was their first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Kohli scored his first fifty of the tournament in the final, a crucial 76 off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helping India post 176/7.
Indian bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, limited South Africa to 169/8, securing the victory.
Following Virat Kohli’s retirement announcement, tributes flowed across the cricket world.
