Barbados: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are arguably the best cricketers of the modern generation and hence it came as a surprise to many as they retired from T20Is simultaneously following the World Cup win. Veteran India cricketer Mohammed Shami, who was not part of the victorious squad, admitted that he was ‘shocked’ when the two stalwarts announced their retirement.
“The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is was a shock. They have been stalwarts for India, delivering outstanding performances for the country for 15-16 years and earning their titles as kings of white-ball cricket. Both retiring simultaneously is shocking, but it’s part of the natural cycle—when one player leaves, another steps in. However, replacing such stars in the team will be a significant challenge,” said Shami.
“Bidding goodbye to a journey after achieving your goal is a truly emotional moment. I would like to thank both Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing amazing innings for India, and breaking records along the way,” he added.
Following India’s T20 WC 2024 triumph on Saturday night, the whole contingent is stranded in Barbados, which has been under lockdown since Sunday.
India’s premier batter Virat Kohli was spotted on a video call on one of the hotel’s open balconies as strong winds blew through the ocean in front. Meanwhile, the Category 4 hurricane hit the Caribbean islands in the wee hours of Monday, thus delaying its departure back home by at least another day.
The Rohit Sharma-led side has stayed put in a five-star hotel. As per the forecast, life-threatening winds and storm lashed Barbados and nearby islands on Monday. The main international airport is shut until further notice with water and electricity supply also getting disrupted.
