The World Cup T20 2024 marked some breathtaking cricketing action in the T20s in the States and the Caribbean; however, it not only ended India’s World Cup drought of 13 years but also ended some splendid international careers of many greats of the game.
India, under skipper Rohit Sharma, ended their 13-year-long wait in World Cups as they lifted the cup at Barbados, denying the Proteas their maiden trophy in ICC tournaments. After the end of the World Cup and the exit of their teams, several players have announced their exit from the shortest format of the game.
Top 5 players to announce retirement post-World Cup
Trent Boult
After New Zealand’s group-stage exit and the humiliating losses against the West Indies and Afghanistan, star pacer Trent Boult quit playing for his national side in the shortest format of the game. Kiwi maestro, who has had a career worth remembering in both international and franchise cricket, will no longer be seen in the Blackcaps shirt.
The 34-year-old left-arm fast bowler has picked 83 wickets for the Blackcaps in 61 matches and was last seen playing for them against Uganda in the T20 World Cup 2024. Boult will continue to be seen in franchise-level cricket tournaments, like the IPL, SA20, Abu Dhabi T20 League, and Major League Cricket. The star, who still has a lot to contribute to this wonderful game, has decided to opt out of international T20s and converge his focus on franchise tournaments.
David Warner
Warner, the 37-year-old legendary Australian cricketer, has proceeded step-by-step to an end to his celebrated career. Australia’s pocket dynamite first bids goodbye to the longest format of the game post Australia’s win in the WTC finals in 2023.
He also announced his exit from the ODI format after Australia’s trophy triumph in India in the World Cup 2023. This was the veteran batter’s 2nd World Cup trophy with the kangaroos, with only the shortest format of the game remaining for consideration.
After Australia’s humiliating exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, again the culprits being Afghanistan, David Warner quit the shortest format of the game for the Aussies, as he will now be seen featuring for different franchise teams in the world. Though some cryptic posts on Instagram have hinted at the Superstar’s surprise return, nothing official has not been declared by the Aussie opener.
Ravindra Jadeja
India’s all-format all-rounder turned out to be the third player, after skipper and veteran batter, to announce his retirement from international T20s. The legend though has not been India’s major contributor in the shortest format, yet his endless contributions with the bat, ball, and especially on the field have been a blessing to Indian cricket.
Jadeja, who has scored 500+ runs and picked over 50 wickets internationally for the Men in Blue, will now no longer be seen in the India team, though India stands quite a chance to replace him in no time, especially with Axar lined up for a similar role in the team.
Rohit Sharma
Veteran Indian batter, World Cup-winning skipper, and the highest scorer in T20 internationals—what more can you add to the Veterans tally as he leaves representing India in the shortest format of the game?
With a clear indication from the board president, Roger Binny, the big boys will be playing in India’s 50-over campaign at the Champions Trophy in the forthcoming year. However, Sharma has officially confirmed his exit from the shortest format of the game.
Rohit finally led India to a World Cup title, the second of his career, and also ended his career on a strong note as he finished as India’s highest run-getter in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The great will however be seen in the IPL for quite some years to come.
Virat Kohli
The name says it all as it needs a description. The legend’s farewell has wrenched the hearts of millions of fans and will continue to do so. Hard to find another great like him, the legend retired after a perfect innings at the T20 World Cup final in Barbados and won his first major ICC tournament since the last Champions Trophy triumph in 2013.
With 4000+ runs in the format internationally, Kohli bid goodbye to the format and will now only be seen in the shortest format of the game for his franchise team Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
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