New Delhi: Following their dramatic victory in the ICC T20 World Cup final, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, marking the end of an illustrious era with a spectacular performance. Kohli’s 76-run knock led India to a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final held at Barbados on Saturday, ending the team's long wait for an ICC trophy.

In a gripping finale, India secured their second ICC T20 World Cup title, thanks to a masterful display of death bowling by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, coupled with crucial contributions from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel. The victory came as a significant milestone for Indian cricket, breaking an ICC title drought that stretched back to their 2013 Champions Trophy win.

During the post-match presentation, Kohli shared his sentiments, stating, “This was my last T20 World Cup, and we achieved exactly what we set out to do. The timing was perfect, and I felt it was now or never. I am stepping away from T20Is so that the next generation can take the game forward. It’s been a long wait for an ICC trophy, and it’s fitting that we achieved it with such a memorable performance.”

Kohli’s pivotal innings came when India was struggling at 34/3. His 76 runs off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, alongside Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls, revived India’s innings. A partnership of 57 runs with Shivam Dube (27 off 16) lifted India to a total of 176/7 in their 20 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26), were notable performers, with Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram each taking a wicket.

In the chase for 177 runs, South Africa faltered early at 12/2. However, a 58-run stand between Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristan Stubbs (31 off 21) provided resistance. Heinrich Klaasen’s aggressive 52 off 27 balls seemed to threaten India’s victory, but exceptional death-overs bowling from Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20), and Hardik Pandya (3/20) restricted South Africa to 169/8.

Kohli was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his game-changing performance. With this victory, India not only claimed their second T20 World Cup title but also brought an end to their ICC trophy drought, underlining their dominance in international cricket.

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