July 1 | Sachin Tendulkar’s heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended his heartfelt congratulations to star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who concluded their T20I careers on a high with a T20 World Cup title win against South Africa. Rohit’s leadership and strategic use of bowlers, coupled with Virat’s resilience and crucial performance during the tournament, helped India break their 11-year ICC trophy drought. Both players announced their retirement from T20Is following this triumph.
On social media platform X, Sachin praised Rohit, reflecting on his journey from a “promising youngster” to a World Cup-winning captain. He stated, “ENDING ON A HIGH @ImRo45, I’ve witnessed your evolution from a promising youngster to a World Cup-winning captain from close quarters. Your unwavering commitment & exceptional talent have brought immense pride to the nation. Leading to a T20 World Cup victory is the perfect culmination of your stellar career. Well done, Rohit!”
Regarding Virat, Sachin lauded him as a “champion of the sport” and highlighted his ability to overcome a challenging period in the tournament. He wrote, “@imVkohli, you have been a true champion of this sport. You may have had a rough time earlier in the tournament, but last night you proved why you’re truly one of the greats of the gentleman’s game. Competing in six World Cups and clinching victory in the last one is an experience I know well. I hope to see you continue winning matches for India in the longer formats of the game.”
Virat, who managed only 75 runs in the first seven innings of the tournament, stepped up when it mattered most, scoring 76 in 59 balls in the final. He ended the tournament with 151 runs in eight innings. Over his T20 World Cup career, he scored 1,292 runs in 35 matches, with an impressive average of 58.72, making him the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.
In his T20I career, Virat amassed 4,188 runs in 125 matches, with an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04, including one century and 38 fifties.
Rohit finished the tournament with 257 runs in eight games and an impressive strike rate of over 156. In his T20I career, he scored 4,231 runs in 151 matches, including five centuries and 32 fifties. Rohit also retires as the leading run-scorer in the format and a double T20 World Cup champion, having first won the title in 2007.
Both players leave a lasting legacy in T20I cricket, celebrated by fans and fellow cricketers alike.
