"Sharing dressing room with you..." - Suresh Raina pays heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli as batting stalwarts retire from T20Is

Suresh Raina, on Sunday (June 30), posted a heartfelt tribute for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after they announced their retirement from T20Is. The batting stalwarts brought down curtains on their glittering T20I careers after India defeated South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday.

India won the game by 7 runs to win the T20 World Cup for the second time and first time since 2007. Rohit Sharma was a part of the squad for the 2007 edition too and is now the only Indian player who has won the tournament twice. On the other hand, Kohli laid his hands on the trophy for the very first time in his career.

Batting first, India recovered from 34 for 3 to post a competitive total of 176 for 7 in 20 overs. While in-form Rohit Sharma failed to get going in the final, Virat Kohli roared back to form just when the team needed his services the most. The former India skipper scored a fine 76 to help India post a good total.

In reply, South Africa finished their innings on 169 for 8. At one stage, South Africa were looking destined to chase down the total with utmost ease. They were on 151 for 4 after 16 overs, needing only 27 runs from the last 4 overs with the likes of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller unbeaten. However, India's bowlers came up with a brilliant effort to power their team to a monumental win.

Suresh Raina's message for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli:

Soon after the victory in the final, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced that the game against South Africa was their last T20I for Team India. Kohli announced the decision in the post-match presentation ceremony while Rohit announced his decision during the post-match press conference. 

Suresh Raina took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to his former teammates. He congratulated both of them on an incredible T20I career and stated that their passion for the game has inspired millions.

"Witnessing you both, @imVkohli & @ImRo45, lift the T20 World Cup was a feeling beyond words!

"Many congratulations my brothers for an incredible T20 career! 🏆 Sharing the dressing room with you has been an absolute privilege and honor. Your dedication and passion have inspired millions. Best wishes for your future endeavors, legends!" wrote Suresh Raina.

 

Witnessing you both, @imVkohli & @ImRo45 , lift the T20 World Cup was a feeling beyond words! Many congratulations my brothers for an incredible T20 career! 🏆 Sharing the dressing room with you has been an absolute privilege and honor. Your dedication and passion have inspired… pic.twitter.com/8La316m8gL

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 30, 2024