Kohli and Jadeja Retire from T20Is After World Cup Triumph

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have bid farewell to T20I cricket after guiding India to a triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa. Their illustrious careers in the shortest format culminated in a fitting farewell, with the World Cup trophy serving as a testament to their remarkable contributions.

Kohli's match-winning knock in the final against South Africa propelled him to the 40th position in the ICC T20I batter rankings. However, a surprising twist emerged when Kohli also surpassed Jadeja in the latest ICC T20I all-rounders rankings.

In their final ICC T20I all-rounders rankings, Kohli finished 79th while Jadeja placed 86th. Despite not bowling a single delivery in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli's 151 runs in the tournament proved decisive. Jadeja, on the other hand, endured a disappointing campaign with only 35 runs and a solitary wicket.

Kohli's rise above Jadeja in the all-rounders rankings seems improbable, given that he has not bowled in international cricket for nearly eight years. Jadeja, in contrast, has consistently performed as a genuine all-rounder for India.

However, the T20I rankings are subject to frequent fluctuations, particularly due to the inclusion of associate nations. In the case of all-rounders, both batting and bowling performances are considered.

Kohli's bowling record in T20Is is modest, with 4 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 51 and an economy rate of 8.05. Jadeja, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 54 dismissals in 71 innings, averaging 29.85 with an economy of 7.13.

However, when batting statistics are taken into account, the scenario shifts dramatically. Jadeja has accumulated 515 runs at an average of 21.45 and a strike rate of 127.16. Kohli, meanwhile, has amassed a staggering 4188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04.

As Kohli and Jadeja embark on the next chapter of their careers, their contributions to Indian cricket in the T20I format will be forever etched in the annals of the sport. Their retirement marks the end of an era, but their legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Tags: #ViratKohli, #RavindraJadeja, #T20WorldCup, #T20IRankings, #AllRounders