BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla welcomed the decision of senior Indian cricket players to retire from T20I cricket following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in the West Indies. Notably, India secured victory by defeating South Africa in the final by seven runs on June 29 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, announced their retirement from the shortest format after the T20 World Cup win. Ravindra Jadeja, the talented all-rounder, also decided to call time on his T20I career a day after the victory.
Rajeev Shukla backs the retirement of senior players
Shukla emphasized that the retirement decision lies solely with the players, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) respects their choices. He stated, “I think the entire country is delighted and everybody is happy. As far as retirement is concerned there’s a stated policy of BCCI that whoever wants to take retirement it’s only up to that player. In this case also, Ravindra Jadeja is also retiring, who hangs his boost from T20 cricket, it’s purely his decision. As Virat Kohli and you know Rohit Sharma as well, it’s purely their decision,” Rajiv Shukla told India Today.
Shukla also highlighted the positive impact of these retirements on younger players. India boasts a large talent pool, and the senior players’ exit from T20 cricket opens up opportunities for emerging talents.
Shukla expressed optimism, saying, “Definitely they must be thinking that it will pave the way for younger players to try their luck with T20I. We have got many younger players in the pipeline who can showcase their talent coming into the T20. So I think this must be welcomed. The senior players who have decided to opt out from T20 cricket. This is a good decision; we all welcome it. They will be available for ODIs, they will be available for Test cricket. They haven’t taken retirement from cricket.”
End of the dominating era in T20 cricket💔
First Virat Kohli retired🥺
Than Rohit Sharma retired🥺
Now Ravindra Jadeja retired🥺The greatest trio of T20 cricket 🐐🐐🐐🙏
Hope all three won next WTC, CT and 2027 ODI WC for India🤞🏻🇮🇳🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ckug8enBOV
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) June 30, 2024
Rohit Sharma, who played in all editions of the T20 World Cup, retires as one of the most consistent performers in the format. He leaves as the highest run-scorer in T20Is with 4231 runs to his name. Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, retires as the second-highest scorer with 4188 runs. Ravindra Jadeja, who represented India in six T20 World Cups, bows out as a World champion. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, and their decision to step aside allows the next generation of players to shine on the international stage.
