India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph marked the end of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s illustrious T20I careers last month. The legendary duo announced their retirement from the international shortest format, paving the way for the young generation.
Reacting on their T20I retirements, India pacer Arshdeep Singh on Saturday (July 20) said that the legacy left behind by Rohit and Kohli will be remembered for generations.
Arshdeep, who also played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup win, further stated that their contributions in the batting department have always been an inspiration for cricketers across the world.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left an indelible mark on T20I cricket. Their contributions have been immense, and their legacy will be remembered for generations. Rohit bhai's explosive batting at the top and his sharp captaincy have set new benchmarks in the format. Virat bhai, with his consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence, has been a role model for cricketers around the world," Arshdeep told IANS.
"Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself. They have shown us what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and their records speak for themselves. Although they may not be playing T20Is anymore, their influence and impact on the game will continue to guide and motivate us," he added.
Arshdeep Singh, 25, is also fond of Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills and hailed the latter as "bowler's captain", who gives freedom to his bowlers to express themselves.
"Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience. Rohit bhai is definitely fully a bowler's captain. He allows every bowler full freedom of executing what they want to do on the field. He has a unique way of keeping the dressing room atmosphere light and positive, which really helps in high-pressure situations," the left-arm quick said.
"What I like the most about his leadership is his calm demeanour on the field. He always backs his players, giving us the confidence to play our natural game. His strategic thinking and the way he read the game are truly inspiring, and I have learned a lot from him about handling different match scenarios," he further remarked.
After being rested for the Zimbabwe T20I series, Arshdeep will return to action during the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, starting on July 27.
(With IANS Inputs)
