After India won the T20 World Cup in Bridgetown, a surprising announcement followed: both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirements from Twenty20 Internationals within a short span. Ravindra Jadeja later joined them in retiring from T20Is. None of these decisions came as a shock; Rohit is now 37, Kohli will turn 36 soon, and Jadeja is nearing 36. With each having represented India for over fifteen years and with World Cup medals, they felt there was nothing more to achieve in T20s, especially with younger players ready to take over.
What’s next for them? They’re likely to continue playing T20 franchise cricket. However, they remain committed to Test and One-Day International formats, where they continue to excel.
Looking ahead, India faces a busy schedule with two tough away Test series and the 50-over Champions Trophy in early 2025. Rohit, especially as a rejuvenated Test opener and captain, has much to aim for, including another World Test Championship final and Test series wins in Australia and England. Meanwhile, Kohli, known as one of the best batsmen of his generation, remains a key target for opposition teams despite his focus shifting towards collective success over personal milestones.
Although they’ve transitioned into senior roles, both Kohli and Rohit are far from slowing down. Alongside Jadeja, they play crucial roles in mentoring the next generation of Indian cricketers. India is fortunate to have a depth of talent and plans in place to ensure a smooth transition as these stalwarts phase out from T20Is
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