The cricketing world recently received a bittersweet surprise. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, three pillars of Indian white-ball cricket for nearly a decade and a half, announced their retirement from T20 Internationals. This news came on the heels of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup victory, a fitting end to their remarkable careers in the shortest format. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief – all three players have confirmed their continued availability for selection in Tests and ODIs.
This decision by the veterans paves the way for a new era in Indian T20I cricket. Yet, the future remains bright, with the experienced trio still leading the charge in the longer formats. BCCI secretary Jay Shah echoed this sentiment, offering his congratulations and expressing his confidence in their continued success.
“My message to these stalwarts of the game, Virat, Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja, an extremely talented player who has contributed immensely to the progress of the Indian team,” Shah said in a BCCI video. “Congratulations for the contributions you have made to this great game and set an example to the youngsters to follow. The passion and the pride with which they had played this game is exemplary.”
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Shah further acknowledged their retirement from T20Is but expressed his firm belief that their dedication and work ethic will remain unwavering. “While they have retired from this format, I am sure they will continue to prepare the way they did so far in their career and continue to bring laurels to the country,” he stated. He also highlighted Rohit Sharma’s role as captain, confirming his leadership for India in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
VVS Laxman, a former batting legend and the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), echoed Shah’s optimism. He commended the team’s grit and determination displayed during the World Cup final, particularly their comeback from a precarious situation against South Africa.
VVS Laxman congratulating team India on the T20 World Cup victory.
– He’s also talking about Rohit, Virat and Jadeja. 🌟pic.twitter.com/Sh9d1wW9ty
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 12, 2024
“The kind of finish we had after we were under pressure with South Africa batters needing 30 runs off 30 balls,” VVS Laxman said. “And from there to show character, resilience and self-belief to pull off the match from the jaws of defeat, it shows the character of the entire team.”
VVS Laxman, who himself witnessed the pressure cooker of international cricket with over 8,700 Test runs, went on to highlight the significance of the victory beyond the final score. The unbridled joy displayed by the players and support staff spoke volumes about the emotional weight of this triumph.
“The amount of hard work they put in, the celebrations (by the players and support staff) told the bigger story behind this victory,” he observed.
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The 49-year-old NCA head further emphasized the emotional outpouring as a testament to the team’s collective spirit. “Obviously, it is a special feeling winning the World Cup,” he said. “When you are playing against the best and win the trophy, it means a lot to all the players participating in the tournament.”
VVS Laxman pointed out the raw emotions displayed by players like Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, showcasing the depth of their desire for this title, especially after the heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup earlier this year. The celebrations extended beyond the players, with a special mention going to head coach Rahul Dravid, known for his stoic demeanor.
“Someone like Rahul with whom I have played so much cricket, knew him for so many years, but for him to show that emotions, first when the last ball was bowled and then the various conversations he was having with the team members and when he lifted the trophy,” VVS Laxman recollected.
He concluded by commending the gesture of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli handing the trophy to Dravid, highlighting the unity and significance of the win. “I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit and Virat Kohli to hand over the trophy to him (Dravid) and the way he celebrated by lifting the trophy, it showed how much it meant to each one of them,” said VVS Laxman, reminiscing about his own partnership with Dravid in a memorable Test win against Australia.
