Bridgetown: Country’s cricketing landscape is set to undergo seismic changes as Rohit Sharma, the prolific batter and captain, announced retirement from T20Is following India’s World Cup triumph at Barbados on Saturday. Moments after clinching India’s second T20 World Cup title, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement, marking the culmination of an illustrious international career in the shortest format of the game.

In a poignant post-match press conference at the Kensington Oval, Rohit Sharma expressed his emotions: "This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye." The victory had fulfilled a deep-seated desire for the captain, who had been relentless in his pursuit of international T20 glory.

Rohit Sharma's T20 career was studded with remarkable achievements. He amassed a staggering 4231 runs in 159 matches, including five centuries and 32 half-centuries. His leadership was pivotal during India's journey to the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals and subsequently to the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, where the team narrowly missed the trophy.

Reflecting on his decision, Rohit Sharma acknowledged his burning desire for the T20 World Cup title and expressed contentment at achieving this milestone before bidding farewell. His announcement came in the wake of Virat Kohli's retirement minutes earlier, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket.

Despite stepping away from T20Is, Rohit Sharma will remain an integral part of India's Test and ODI squads, and will continue to contribute with his masterful batting and astute leadership. His legacy in T20 cricket will be remembered for its blend of elegance, power-hitting prowess, and strategic acumen.

As India prepares for the next chapter in its cricketing journey, Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20 Internationals serves as a poignant reminder of his indelible impact on the sport, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. PTI