New Delhi: The T20 World Cup 2024 final saw bombshells getting dropped by Team India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as both announced their retirement from T20 internationals, making it a mix of emotions for the fans who were overjoyed with the World Cup win but were held back with the heartbreaking news. Indian vice-captain Hardik Pandya was asked about helming the T20 side from now on as both his seniors called time on their T20I careers.
In a chat with news agency ANI, when asked about the prospect of leading the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup, he downplayed the possibility and rather talked about Rohit and Kohli, heaping praise on them and sharing his experience of playing with them.
“There is a lot of time for 2026. I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat… two giants and legends of Indian cricket thoroughly deserved this. It has been so amazing playing with them for so many years. We all will miss them but at the same point, this is the best farewell we can give them. They have been legends in all the formats and I’m really happy for them to end like this and enjoy and keep this memory for the rest of their lives,” the Indian deputy said.
#WATCH | On the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20 international cricket, cricketer Hardik Pandya says, ” There is a lot of time for 2026. I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat…two giants and legends of Indian cricket thoroughly deserved this. It has been… pic.twitter.com/Jzejc0oixu
— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2024
Pandya works wonders for India in final
“Not all heroes wear capes” and the statement was made all the more true as Pandya showed his heroics in the T20 World Cup final, helping the Men in Blue lift the coveted T20 trophy for the second time after 17 years. Pandya was the superhero for India in the final match against South Africa as he struck in crucial moments and put his side back in control when South Africa were cruising in the run-chase.
Emotions knew no bounds as the Team India players celebrated the momentous victory and erupted in joy with the help of Pandya who made his presence feel late in the game. Better late than never as the all-rounder removed the dangerman Heinrich Klaasen and sent back another potential danger David Miller in the final over when 16 runs were required. Even Pandya couldn’t control his tears after the gigantic win as his teammates consoled him and cheered him up.
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As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli called signed off from their T20I career after India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya is expected to lead the Indian T20 side. He gave his take on the outgoing veterans after the game. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
