Rohit Sharma says there was ‘nothing better’ to say goodbye with elusive World Cup trophy

Rohit Sharma talks about his retirement after winning the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024 match against South Africa; he also talks about Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid

Rohit Sharma had never thought about retiring from T20 Internationals but like Virat Kohli, the charismatic Indian skipper had to make way for the younger generation and he said there was "nothing better" than saying goodbye with an elusive World Cup trophy.

Speaking to select media after a thrilling seven-run win in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Rohit said he could not have picked a better time to leave the T20 format. However, he was quick to add that he would continue playing the IPL.

"I don't make decisions like this about my future. Whatever I feel is right from inside I try to do that. I don't think much about the future or whether I would play this World Cup after the ODI World Cup last year," the 37-year-old swashbuckler said.

"I never thought that I would retire from T20s. But the situation is such, I thought it is the perfect situation for me. Nothing better than winning the cup and saying goodbye," added Rohit when asked if would have retired from T20s earlier if India won the ODI World Cup at home seven months ago.

India could not cross the finishing line in the ODI showpiece despite being the most balanced team in the tournament. They also had to endure a loss to Australia at the World Test Championship final last June.

Using a popular Hindi film line, Rohit said the triumph here was written in the stars.

"Jo likha hain who hone wala hain, ye likha tha but humko pata nahi hain kee kab likha hain. Nahi toh hum aaram se aate and bolte 'likha hain' aur ho jayega (I believe that what is written is going to happen. I think it was written. But obviously you don't know before the match. Otherwise, we would have easily come and said, it's written)," he quipped.