NEW DELHI:
Virat Kohli
concluded his illustrious T20 International career on a high note by helping India clinch the
T20 World Cup
trophy, ending the nation's 11-year
ICC trophy
drought.
Kohli, who is the second-highest T20I run-scorer with 4,188 runs and the highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history with 1,292 runs, announced his retirement from T20I after India's victorious campaign.
Despite struggling with his form throughout the tournament, he delivered a crucial performance in the final against South Africa, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries.
Kohli expressed his gratitude after the match and shared a picture of
Team India
celebrating with the coveted trophy in his social media handle.
"Couldn't have dreamt of a better day than this. God is great and I bow my head in gratitude. We finally did it, jai hind," Kohli captioned his post on Instagram.
For his vital performance, Kohli was named Player of the Match in the summit clash. In the post-match interaction, the star surprised the cricketing world with his announcement of retirement.
"This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve. One day, you feel like you can't get a run, and this happens, God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation," Kohli said. "This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup. [if he is confirming if this was his last T20I] Yes I have, this was an open secret."
India managed to defend their total despite a tenacious fight from South Africa, clinching a 7-run victory to lift their second T20 World Cup title.
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