June 30th 2024.
New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir, who is rumored to be the top candidate for the role of India's head coach after Rahul Dravid, commended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for ending their T20I careers with a World Cup victory. He remarked that their exit was even more impressive than a pre-written script.
Both Kohli and Rohit played crucial roles in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, after which they announced their retirements from the shortest format of the game. Gambhir spoke to PTI videos and shared his thoughts on their decision, saying, "They have retired on a high note with the World Cup win, which is perhaps better than any script that could have been written. Both players are exceptional and have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. I congratulate them and wish them all the best."
However, Gambhir also expressed his hope that both players would continue to shine in the longer formats of the game - Test cricket and ODI cricket. "They still have two more formats to play, and I am certain that they will continue to contribute to the country and the team," he added.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who has closely observed the careers of both Kohli and Rohit, praised Rohit for his unwavering commitment. He wrote on his social media platform, "I have seen your growth from a promising youngster to a World Cup-winning captain. Your unwavering commitment and exceptional talent have brought immense pride to the nation. Winning the T20 World Cup is the perfect culmination of your stellar career. Well done, Rohit!"
Kohli succeeded Tendulkar as the batting icon for India 11 years ago, after Tendulkar's retirement. The latter expressed his confidence that Kohli will continue to have many more glorious moments in Test and ODI cricket. "You are a true champion of this sport. Although you had a rough patch earlier in the tournament, last night you proved why you are truly one of the greatest in the gentleman's game. Competing in six World Cups and winning the last one is an experience I am familiar with. I hope to see you continue to win matches for India in the longer formats of the game," Tendulkar wrote.
Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin also weighed in on Kohli's retirement, calling him a legend and recalling some of his most memorable T20I innings. "Virat Kohli has played his last T20 game, and what a stellar career it has been. The innings that I will always remember are the ones he played against Australia in the quarterfinals and against South Africa in the 2014 T20 World Cup semifinals. He is truly a legend," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Former India fast bowler-turned-commentator Atul Wassan believes that Kohli and Rohit have retired at the right time, allowing the next generation of cricketers to take over. He said, "It was bound to happen. The team needs to start preparing for the next World Cup. While they are great players, if they continue to play, it won't benefit the team. We need to pave the way for young talent and groom them for the next World Cup."
Wassan is of the opinion that the retirement of Kohli and Rohit will only benefit the team in the long run. "I knew they would retire. Age catches up with everyone. We will still see them playing Test cricket and ODIs because T20 requires specialist players. I believe it's time for India to move forward now. We have won the World Cup, and it's best to progress further," he added.
BCCI joint secretary Devajit Saikia also shared his thoughts on the victory and the retirement of two of India's biggest stars. He believes that this win will take Indian cricket to new heights, even with Kohli and Rohit stepping away from T20Is. "It's a fantastic win. I am confident that this victory will give a significant boost to the development of cricket not just in India, but also in other parts of the world. Retirement is a part of the game, but this win has elevated Indian cricket to a whole new level," Saikia said.
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