"T20 Cricket will miss you" - PM Narendra Modi praises Virat Kohli after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had high praise for Virat Kohli after the star batter announced his T20I retirement following the Men in Blue's 2024 T20 World Cup win. The Rohit Sharma-led side secured a seven-run win against South Africa in the summit clash at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
Modi spoke to the members of the Indian team and head coach Rahul Dravid over a call, congratulating the side on their achievement. Lauding Kohli for his contribution towards the success of the T20I team, the Prime Minister also wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle:
"Dear @imVkohli, Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players."
Several experts and fans raised questions over Kohli's place in India's T20I team after the senior batter failed to make a significant impact in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, the 35-year-old played a clutch knock when it mattered the most, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls in the final. His innings was crucial for India, who had lost three wickets within the powerplay.
The Rohit Sharma-led side registered 176/7 in 20 overs and ultimately clinched a thrilling seven-run victory to become the first team to go unbeaten on their way to winning a men's T20 World Cup.
"Your T20 career will be remembered fondly" - Narendra Modi on Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma also confirmed that the 2024 T20 World Cup final was his last appearance in T20Is. Narendra Modi praised Sharma for giving a new dimension to the team with his aggressive approach.
Commending Sharma on a wonderful T20I career, the Indian Prime Minister wrote on X:
"You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy has given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly. Delighted to have spoken to you earlier today."
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid ended his tenure on a high, helping the side end the 11-year ICC event drought. Applauding the former India skipper's effort, Modi wrote:
"Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket. His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team. India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are happy to see him lift the World Cup. Happy to have congratulated him."
While Virat Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah bagged the Player of the Tournament award.