Aoba Tanaka 
In a historic and emotional moment for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from T20I cricket following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup victory on Saturday. Both players have been pivotal figures in India’s T20I setup for years, with Kohli having led the team before Rohit took over the captaincy duties.
The decision to retire comes after a roller-coaster journey in the format, marked by their significant contributions and leadership. Virat Kohli, who stepped down from the T20I captaincy in 2021, was succeeded by Rohit Sharma. Under Rohit’s leadership, India navigated through the challenges, culminating in a dream ending with the T20 World Cup win.
Their farewell to T20Is is bittersweet, leaving a significant void in the team. However, their departure also opens up new leadership opportunities, with Hardik Pandya emerging as a strong contender. Having proven his mettle as captain in both the Indian Premier League and international cricket, Pandya is poised to step up to the role.
When asked about his future role and the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pandya remained focused on the present. “There is a lot of time for 2026. I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat… two giants and legends of Indian cricket, who thoroughly deserved this. It has been so amazing playing with them for so many years. We all will miss them, but at the same point, this is the best farewell we can give them,” he told reporters.
The retirement of Rohit and Virat marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. Both players have left an indelible mark on the game with their extraordinary performances and leadership. Rohit Sharma, known for his elegant batting and tactical acumen, and Virat Kohli, celebrated for his aggressive style and consistency, have been instrumental in shaping India’s T20I success.
As the cricketing world bids farewell to these legends, India’s focus now shifts to building a strong team under new leadership. The legacy of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to inspire future generations, and their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.
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