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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a tear-jerking tribute, legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has paid homage to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following their emotional retirement from T20I cricket. The duo, pillars of Indian cricket, announced their retirement after leading India to a historic ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2024.

Virat Kohli, revered as one of the greatest T20 World Cup batsmen, played a crucial role in India's triumph against South Africa in the final. Scoring a majestic 76 off 59 balls, Kohli earned the Player of the Final award, ending his T20I career on a high note. Sehwag reminisced about Kohli’s stellar performances, particularly his iconic knock against Pakistan, and praised his dedication and grace on and off the field.

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"What to say about Virat the T20 World Cup batsman. By far the best T20 World Cup batsman ever, carried the team in 2014 and 2016 single-handedly winning games from difficult situations, in 2022 Melbourne will be in folklore of our T20 history and yesterday in the finals showing his class again," Sehwag expressed.

What to say about Virat the T20 World Cup batsman. By far the best T20 World Cup batsman ever, carried the team in 2014 and 2016 single-handedly winning games from difficult situations, in 2022 Melbourne will be in folklore of our T20 history and yesterday in the finals showing… pic.twitter.com/z4ieFsNWzF

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 30, 2024

Rohit Sharma, who joined Kohli in announcing his retirement, etched his name into cricket folklore by guiding India to a memorable World Cup victory. As the only player to have participated in all nine T20 World Cups, Rohit transformed his game and fostered a nurturing team environment, which Sehwag believes was pivotal to India's success.

Under Rohit's captaincy, India became the first men's team to win an ICC T20 World Cup without losing a single game. His leadership and consistency brought India three finals in twelve months, culminating in a seven-run victory over South Africa in the 2024 final at Kensington Oval, Barbados. Sehwag's tribute highlights the profound impact both players have had on Indian cricket and their enduring legacies.

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As the nation bids farewell to these cricketing giants, Sehwag's heartfelt words encapsulate the admiration and respect Kohli and Rohit have earned throughout their illustrious careers. Their retirement marks the end of an era, paving the way for the next generation of Indian cricketers to carry forward their legacy.