'True champions' - Sachin Tendulkar shares emotional message for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma after their T20I retirement

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their illustrious careers after they announced their retirement from T20I cricket. Sachin Tendulkar shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, following the Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final match.

Rohit Sharma led India to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. The Men in Blue secured their second T20 World Cup after a 17-year gap. Rohit described this win in the T20 World Cup as the ‘greatest’ moment of his career so far.

Victory Is The Perfect Culmination Of Your Steller Career - Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to state that he has witnessed Rohit Sharma's growth from a promising youngster to a World Cup-winning captain. Tendulkar praised Rohit's dedication and talent, stating that leading India to a T20 World Cup victory is a fitting end to his outstanding career.

“@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 India to a T20 World Cup victory is the perfect culmination of your stellar career. Well done, Rohit,” wrote Sachin.

𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇@<!---->I<!---->m<!---->R<!---->o<!---->4<!---->5, 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… p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->S<!---->E<!---->u<!---->i<!---->6<!---->B<!---->q<!---->2<!---->K

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) J<!---->u<!---->n<!---->e<!----> <!---->3<!---->0<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Rohit Sharma was also part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup. He is the highest scorer in T20Is with 4,231 runs in 159 matches at an average of 31.34 and a strike rate of 140.89. He smashed five centuries (most by any batter in T20I cricket) and 32 half-centuries in his illustrious career.

Hope To See You Continue Winning Matches - Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar drew parallels between his own World Cup journey and Virat Kohli's, noting that both won their first World Cup in their sixth attempt. Tendulkar described Kohli as a true champion of this sport and hoped he would continue to win matches for India in longer formats.

“@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,” added Sachin.

Virat Kohli struggled to score runs earlier in the tournament. However, the 35-year-old batter redeemed himself with a crucial 76 off 59 balls to help the team reach a competitive total of 176 runs in 20 overs. The right-handed batter was awarded "Player of the Match" for his match-winning half-century in the final.

The 35-year-old batter concluded his T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 4,188 runs in 125 games with an average of 48.69. He participated in India's T20 World Cup campaigns in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Kohli is the highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history, scoring 1,292 runs.

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