On June 29, 2024, after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup in Bridgetown, Barbados, two of the most celebrated players in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirement from the T20 format. This decision marks the end of an illustrious era for Indian T20 cricket, leaving behind a void that will be keenly felt by fans and the cricketing community alike.
Captain Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in India’s triumphs in the USA and the West Indies, while Virat Kohli, the former captain, delivered crucial performances throughout his career. Both players have consistently been match-winners and exemplary leaders, forming the cornerstone of the Indian team. Their journey from the U-19 ranks to becoming pillars of the Indian cricket team is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Rohit Sharma was part of the triumphant ICC World T20 under M. S. Dhoni in 2007, while Virat Kohli captained the U-19 team to victory in the 2008 World Cup in Australia. This shared history, coupled with their individual brilliance, has solidified their status as legends of the game.
Their dominance in T20I cricket is further highlighted by their impressive batting performances. Rohit currently holds the T20I record for most runs with 4231, while Kohli comes second with 4188 runs.
Beyond T20, their contributions to other formats are equally noteworthy. In Test cricket, Kohli has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 matches with 29 centuries, and has also made two centuries on his Test captaincy debut. Rohit has scored 4,137 runs with 12 centuries in 59 Tests.
In the ODI format, both Virat and Rohit are the only active cricketers with over 10,000 runs. Kohli, with 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18, is now the third-highest run-getter behind Tendulkar (18,426) and Sangakkara (14,234). His 50 centuries place him at the top of the list, just ahead of Tendulkar’s 49 and Rohit’s 31 centuries.
Rohit has scored 10,866 runs in 265 games with an average of 49.16 since his debut against Ireland in June 2007. His 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata on November 13, 2014, remains the highest individual score in ODI history.
The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma mark a significant turning point for Indian cricket. While their absence will be felt deeply, their legacy of excellence and inspiration will continue to guide future generations of players. Their contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
