Ravindra Jadeja
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has joined star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in stepping down from T20 Internationals, just a day after the Men in Blue triumphed over South Africa to clinch the coveted title in the shortest format of the game.
“With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 Internationals,” Jadeja announced on his official Instagram page following India’s thrilling World Cup final victory in Bridgetown.
He reflected on his journey, stating, “Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats. Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support.”
The retirement announcements of three of India’s most senior and influential players within less than 24 hours pose a significant challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
All three players are widely regarded as legends in their respective positions and roles, making their replacements a daunting task.
Jadeja’s T20I career saw him playing 74 matches, in which he scored 515 runs and took 54 wickets. His all-round performance and leadership on the field have been pivotal for India’s success in the format.
Following India’s T20 World Cup win, Virat Kohli announced his retirement immediately during the post-match ceremony, emphasizing that it is time for the next generation to take over. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, confirmed his retirement from the shorter format during a post-match press conference.
Rohit and Kohli’s retirements from T20I cricket were not entirely unexpected. Neither player had featured in any T20Is after India’s semi-final defeat in the 2022 T20 World Cup. They only resumed playing T20Is in January this year, with their focus on the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli ends his illustrious 125-match T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the format, amassing 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. His contributions with the bat and his leadership qualities have been instrumental in many of India’s victories over the years.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma departs as the highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals, having scored 4,231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries (five) in T20 Internationals. Rohit’s career is highlighted by his two T20 World Cup titles: the inaugural one as a player in 2007 and the recent victory in 2024 as captain.
As the cricketing world bids farewell to these three stalwarts from T20I cricket, their contributions and memories will be cherished by fans and teammates alike.
Their retirement marks the end of an era and sets the stage for the next generation of Indian cricketers to rise and continue their legacy.
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