“Shami shocked by Rohit and Kohli’s retirement, veteran pacer responds”

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has expressed surprise at the news of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20 Internationals, saying it will be difficult to replace them in the team. At the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, India beat South Africa by seven runs to win their second T20 World Cup. After winning the player of the match award for his 76 in 59 balls, Kohli said this was the last T20 of his international career. Having finished his Twenty20 international career with 4188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04, the right-hander was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the competition.

Later, in the post-match press conference, Rohit revealed that he would conclude his Twenty20 international career with Virat, finishing as the top scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches and holding the record for most centuries in men’s Twenty20 internationals via splendid tons.

“The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is has come as a shock. They have been pillars of India, performed exceptionally well for the country for 15-16 years and earned their titles as the kings of white-ball cricket. Their simultaneous departure is shocking but it is part of the natural cycle: when one player leaves, another takes over. However, replacing such stars in the team will be a big challenge,” Shami said.

“Saying goodbye to a journey after achieving its goal is a truly emotional moment. I would like to thank Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing incredible innings for India and breaking records along the way,” he added.

In light of India’s championship triumph, Shami lauded the fans for boosting the team’s morale during the campaign and congratulated the Indian team and support staff for their success.

“It is a great achievement. Credit goes to the entire Indian team, support staff and fans who are boosting our confidence. I want to congratulate all the players who worked hard to remain unbeaten in the tournament. I also want to salute and congratulate the players who contributed to the team’s success in any capacity because every little step and prayer counts,” the 33-year-old pacer said.

“The players who play in the World Cup are lucky to have this opportunity, because only about 10% of players have the chance in their lifetime to be part of a World Cup winning team,” he concluded.

“I really appreciate that our Prime Minister has a passion for sports and personally congratulates our champions after their victories,” Shami said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s phone call to the Men in Blue after India’s victory. “It gives a lot more confidence to the team.”