"He would be playing..." - Virat Kohli's childhood coach makes colossal remark on batter's T20I retirement

Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, commended the former Indian skipper for setting a high standard with his decision to retire from T20Is after the World Cup victory. Rajkumar Sharma congratulated the Indian cricket team on their T20 World Cup 2024 victory under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.

The Rohit Sharma-led team defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. Following this triumph, Virat Kohli surprised the nation by announcing his retirement from T20I cricket, stating that it was his last match for India in the shorter format.

The 35-year-old won the "Player of the Match" for his impressive half-century in his last T20I match. The right-handed batter anchored the innings after the early loss of three wickets. Kohli scored 76 runs off 59 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes as the Indian team posted a total of 176/7 in 20 overs.

This Why Virat Kohli Is Called King Kohli - Rajkumar Sharma

Speaking to ANI, Rajkumar Sharma praised Virat Kohli for his 'Man of the Match' performance in the 'tremendous victory' during the final match. Rajkumar noted the high morale of Team India and their ability to maintain momentum even in challenging situations.

“I want to congratulate the whole nation for this tremendous victory…,” Rajkumar told ANI.

“The morale of Team India is high, they have been undefeated (throughout the T20 World Cup 2024), and we didn’t lose even one match. There were difficult situations but they kept their momentum. He played really well. This is why he is called King Kohli,” Rajkumar added.

The Delhi-born cricketer struggled to score runs before the final match. The veteran cricketer scored 75 runs at a disappointing average of 10.71 and a strike rate of 100. However, Kohli proved his worth when the Indian team needed him most. He will end his career as one of the best T20I batters in the world.

Virat Kohli Was Happy About Winning The World Cup - Rajkumar Sharma

Rajkumar Sharma praised Virat Kohli for his contributions to Indian cricket, adding that it's now time for younger players to step up. He appreciated Kohli's decision to retire on a high note after winning the World Cup. He added that Kohli set an example for a high standard in Indian cricket.

"He (Virat Kohli) has done so well for the country. He feels that this is the time for the youngsters to take responsibility though he would be playing in the other two formats… He was happy about winning the World Cup and I appreciated his decision that he is retiring, leaving a high bar and he is setting an example in Indian cricket…,” Rajkumar further stated.

Moments after Virat Kohli's retirement, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from T20 internationals. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to succeed Rohit Sharma as skipper in T20I cricket. Pandya was rested for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, where Shubman Gill will lead the second-string team.

Also read: Watch- Shaheen Afridi's humbling tribute for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after T20 World Cup win