Gambhir confident of Kohli and Sharma’s impact in ODIs, Tests following T20I retirement

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that despite retiring from T20 internationals, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will continue to make significant contributions to Indian cricket in the ODI and Test formats. The announcement of their retirement came after India’s thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa.

India secured their T20 World Cup win on Saturday, marking their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Shortly after the victory, Kohli, Sharma, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is, leaving fans and the cricket community reflecting on their illustrious careers.

Gambhir, who is expected to be India’s next head coach, expressed his admiration for the players’ decision to retire after such a historic win. 

“They have retired with the World Cup win, and probably better than any script that was written. Both players are great. They have done a lot for Indian cricket, and congratulate them and wish them all the best,” Gambhir told PTI.

Gambhir emphasized that while their T20 careers have ended, both Kohli and Sharma still have much to offer in other formats.

“But they are going to play two more formats – Test cricket and ODI cricket. I am sure they are going to keep contributing to the country and the team,” he further added.

The retirement of Kohli and Sharma from T20Is was not entirely surprising. Both players had taken a break from T20Is after India’s semi-final exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup and only returned to the format for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli ended his T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04.

Sharma, on the other hand, leaves T20Is as the format’s leading run-scorer for India, with 4,231 runs in 159 matches, including a record five centuries. He has the distinction of winning two T20 World Cup titles — the first in 2007 as a player and now in 2024 as captain.

Following the World Cup win, Kohli announced his retirement during the post-match ceremony, stating that it was time for the next generation to take over. Sharma also confirmed his retirement from T20Is during the press conference, signaling the end of an era for Indian T20 cricket but leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.