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- Virat Kohli ends T20 career on a high as India wins World Cup (newsbreak.com)
In Bridgetown, Barbados, there was considerable debate on whether India should keep Virat Kohli on their team for the Twenty20 World Cup final. Kohli, recognized as one of India’s cricket legends, was under scrutiny for his lackluster performance throughout the tournament, having scored only 75 runs across seven matches, with two instances where he didn’t score at all. Despite this, India managed victories in each match, largely thanks to contributions from other team members.
Following an impressive season in the Indian Premier League where Kohli scored 741 runs with an average close to 62, expectations were high. Team captain Rohit Sharma remained unwavering in his support for Kohli, frequently stating that Kohli’s name was always one of the first to be considered for the team lineup.
Sharma’s confidence was not misplaced as Kohli proved pivotal in the final against South Africa, scoring 76 runs from 59 balls, leading India to a total of 176-7. The team’s bowlers then successfully defended this score, clinching a thrilling seven-run victory and earning India its first World Championship title in 13 years.
Post-match, Sharma spoke highly of Kohli, dismissing any doubts about his capabilities and praising his vital role in the victory. Later on, Kohli, who was awarded man of the match, announced his retirement from T20 internationals, marking the end of an era.
Kohli reflected on the unpredictable nature of the sport and expressed his pride in performing for his team when it counted the most. His contributions over the years have been momentous, notably in critical matches like the 2014 final in Dhaka, the 2016 semifinal in Mumbai, and most recently, his performance in the 2022 semifinal against England in Adelaide.
Kohli leaves T20 internationals as the highest scorer in the history of the T20 World Cups, a legacy that underscores his significant impact on the game. He leaves the field for the next generation, expressing gratitude and humility for his experience and contributions to Indian cricket.
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- Virat Kohli ends T20 career on a high as India wins World Cup (newsbreak.com)