'He's Been a Champion Player Without Doubt': Rohit Sharma Showers Praise on Virat Kohli as Both Announce Retirement from T20Is

In an era of high-intensity competitiveness, Indian cricket witnessed two absolute superstars coexist and thrive, to ultimately lead them to victory, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put the weight of Indian cricket fans and supporters on their shoulders and delivered on a T20 World Cup title on Saturday, ending an 11-year drought.

Every elegant cover drive from the Delhi-born Kohli was accompanied with boistrous pull shot from Mumbaikar Rohit Sharma as the duo wreaked havoc upon world cricket for years on end.

And even in the end of their tale, atleast in the shorter T20I format, the two share nothing but respect and love for each other.

“Look, he’s been a champion player without a doubt. And we all know what he has done for us. At some point, everyone has to say goodbye to the game and Virat was very clear that this is what he wanted to do and he was very clear before the start of the tournament as well,” stated skipper Rohit Sharma.

Leading up to the final, Kohli had been in the eye of the storm, that is the media, for his poor performances with the bat in the tournament as the talisman batter failed to notch even a single fifty.

But, cometh the hour cometh the man, and as sure as rain there he was: Virat Kohli in his absolute element, putting on an clinic in the finals against South Africa.

Following the early fall of wickets, which left India rudderless at 34-3, Kohli, alongside Axar Patel would go on to post an innings-reviving stand of 72 runs together with with the talisman playing the anchor, as Axar went on the offensive.

Kohli, who had been struggling in the tournament with the bat so far, led the way with calculated 76 runs off 59 balls, helping his side steer clear of imminent danger and to steady the ship for the eventual historic total of 176.

“I am very happy for him that he batted like he did in the finals. I know the quality that he has, the big games and all of that. He is going to come good. When we wanted him the most, he came out and performed the way he did. So very happy looking at his career. It’s a nice way to sign off from this format,” Rohit added.

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