Following India's T20 World Cup victory, Ravindra Jadeja became the third player to announce his retirement from the T20I format. The all-rounder took to Instagram a day after the win to share the news.
“With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats . Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support," Jadeja's Instragram post read.
Following Ravindra Jadeja's retirement announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to send his well wishes to the all-rounder.
"Dear @imjadeja, You have performed exceptionally as an all-rounder. Cricket lovers admire your stylish stroke play, spin and superb fielding. Thank you for the enthralling T20 performances over the years. My best wishes for your endeavours ahead," PM Modi wrote.
Jadeja responded to Modi's post, expressing his gratitude for the wishes. "Thanks a lot, sir," Jadeja wrote.
Jadeja's T20 World Cup show and Retirement
While Ravindra Jadeja wasn't a standout performer in the 2024 World Cup, managing only 35 runs and 1 wicket, his place in the T20I team might have been under threat anyway, considering Axar Patel's all-around brilliance. This wouldn't have been new territory for Jadeja, who had previously been dropped from the T20I squad from 2017 to 2019. After his return, he became a key player, featuring in the 2021 and 2024 World Cups (missing the 2022 edition due to injury). He ends his T20I career with 515 runs and 54 wickets in 74 matches, having debuted in 2009.
Senior Players Bow Out on a High
Following India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the format. Virat revealed his decision during the post-match presentation after receiving the Player of the Final award, while Rohit spoke to the media. These retirements weren't entirely unexpected, as both players had hinted at stepping away from T20Is in 2023 by taking a year-long break from the format. Their return for the T20I series against Afghanistan confirmed their availability for the World Cup, allowing them to finish their T20I careers on a winning note.
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