Rohit Sharma shocked fans when he retired from T20I cricket right after lifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. It was a big moment India had just beaten South Africa in a thrilling final. Yet, the captain chose that exact time to say goodbye.
Now, months later, Rohit has finally shared why he made that tough decision. Even though he was in great form and scored the most runs for India in the tournament, he had already made up his mind.
Rohit Sharma Had Decided Before the Final
In a recent chat on YouTube, Rohit said that he planned to retire from T20Is no matter what happened in the World Cup.
“When I announced my retirement from T20Is agar hum nahi jeet-te (T20 World Cup), toh mai waise he announce kar deta kyuki bahut try kar liya ab. It’s not fair for me to continue; you have to give chances to the others.”
He didn’t want to hold on just because he was still doing well. According to him, it’s important for senior players to know when to step away and make space for the younger generation.
Letting Go Was Not Easy
Rohit admitted that it was very hard to walk away, especially after winning the trophy. He said that when things go well, you feel like you can still keep going. You’re batting well, the team is winning, and everything feels perfect.
But deep inside, he felt it was time.
“You work so hard to reach this level,” he said. “This spot didn’t come easy. I’ve been through a lot to get here. So, when you’re doing well, you ask yourself why stop now?”
Still, he knew that moving on was the right thing. It was not about losing form or failing he left at the top, which made it even more powerful.
It Was a Decision from the Heart
Rohit said that “If you are not able to give results, not bat well, and something is going wrong, then it’s okay. Then in any way you have to tell yourselves that ‘Mate, it’s over.’ But I batted well in the T20 World Cup; the result was also good happy times. Then why? But andar se ek feel aa jaata hai ki yaar abhi yaha par”
Rohit’s T20I Career in Numbers
Rohit Sharma leaves behind an incredible record in T20Is:
- 159 matches
- 4231 runs – the most by any Indian
- Most sixes in T20I history
- Most matches played in T20Is for India
- Only second Indian captain to win a T20 World Cup
He didn’t just play T20 cricket he ruled it.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why Virat Kohli Should Reconsider His Test Retirement
