End of an era: After an exhilarating World Cup win, the Ro-Ko duo culminates their T20I career

India’s cricketing legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (fondly known as Ro-Ko), have announced their retirement from T20 internationals following their historic World Cup triumph in Barbados. The T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa witnessed Kohli’s resurgence as he played a pivotal role in India’s seven-run victory. His masterful innings of 76 runs off 59 deliveries not only secured the title but also earned him the Player of the Match award.

Ro-Ko’s legacy in T20 format for India

Kohli, who played 125 T20Is, amassed 4188 runs at an impressive average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. He remains the second-highest scorer in the format and holds the record for being the fastest to reach 3500 runs in T20Is. Additionally, Kohli’s 319 runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup and 296 runs in the 2022 edition further solidify his legacy in T20 cricket.

Rohit Sharma, the 37-year-old opener, joined Kohli in bidding farewell to T20 internationals. His leadership during the World Cup was instrumental in India’s triumph. Rohit, who made his T20I debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007, led from the front and finished as the team’s highest run-scorer in the tournament with 257 runs in eight matches. His retirement marks a significant moment, as he becomes the first India captain to lift a World Cup trophy since 2011. Rohit’s 4231 runs in 159 T20Is make him the highest run-scorer in the format, and his five centuries are a testament to his consistency and class.

Both Kohli and Rohit will continue to be available for India in Tests and ODIs, ensuring their invaluable contributions to Indian cricket endure. Their retirements mark the end of an era, but their legacy will inspire generations of cricketers to come.

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