Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma retire India T20 World Cup win

India's Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli win T20 World Cup, announce retirement. Emotional farewell after long-awaited triumph. Next generation takes over.

India's dynamic duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have finally ended their country's long quest for T20 World Cup glory with a thrilling victory over South Africa in the final. Both players, who hold the record for the most runs scored in T20 internationals, decided to retire from the format after their momentous win.

Kohli's stellar performance saw him score 76 runs from 59 balls, leading India to a nail-biting seven-run victory over the Proteas in Barbados. Meanwhile, Sharma, who first tasted World Cup success in 2007, was emotional as he lifted the trophy once again.

The tears flowed as Kohli, 35, and Sharma, 37, bid farewell to T20 cricket during the post-match presentation. Kohli expressed that it was a now-or-never situation and that it was time for the next generation to take the game forward. Sharma, on the other hand, kept his retirement plans under wraps until the end of his press conference.

For a team that has faced heartbreak in ICC finals over the past decade, this victory was a moment of redemption. Sharma reflected on the team's journey, highlighting the resilience and determination that led them to this historic win.

Although Sharma had a quiet final with the bat, he praised Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah for their standout performances. Bumrah's two wickets for 18 runs proved crucial in the closing stages of the match.

On the other side, Proteas captain Aiden Markram expressed his disappointment at falling short in the final but remained proud of his team's effort. Despite the loss, he believes that South Africa is one step closer to achieving their first World Cup victory.

In the end, India's triumph was a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination. As Kohli and Sharma bid adieu to T20 cricket, they leave behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of players to strive for greatness.