Pakistan's left-arm fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, recently shared his thoughts on the retirement of Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the T20I format. The announcement came after India's victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, where they emerged victorious by a margin of seven runs.
Kohli, a pivotal player in the Indian batting lineup across all formats, decided to step away from T20 cricket following India's successful campaign in the tournament. His contribution to the team's success was undeniable, as he played a crucial role in securing India's second T20 World Cup title.
The right-handed batter scored 76 runs off 59 balls, playing a crucial role in achieving India's total of 177, which they successfully defended.
"This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve. One day you feel you can't get a run, then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered.Now or never, last T20 for India, wanted to make the most of it. Wanted to lift the cup, wanted to respect the situation rather than force it. This was an open secret, it's time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high," Kohli said while accepting the Player of the Match award.
His retirement sparked a response from Shaheen, as the two have competed in numerous matches against each other, creating a spirited rivalry on the field.
"Memorable end to a remarkable T20I career [...] congratulations India on winning the T20 World Cup," Shaheen wrote on his Instagram account.
Furthermore, Shaheen also extended his congratulations to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who has followed in his teammates' footsteps by announcing his retirement from the T20 format.
The left-arm pacer has had numerous on-pitch battles with Sharma and has successfully dismissed him on multiple occasions.
India's victory in the T20 World Cup marks their second title win in the tournament's history. The country previously claimed their first T20 World Cup title in 2007, defeating Pakistan in the final.
The 2024 T20 World Cup victory also puts an end to India's trophy drought, as their last ICC trophy was secured in 2013 when they emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
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