New Delhi: April 2, 2011, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Who will forget the scenes after skipper MS Dhoni sent the ball sailing into the galleries to signal India’s second ODI World Cup triumph?
One of the most unforgettable moments from that memorable night was a young Virat Kohli — 22 years old then – carrying Sachin Tendulkar all around the ground during the team’s victory lap.
The master blaster had, after all, won the World Cup on his sixth attempt.
“He (Tendulkar) has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years… It is time we carried him on our shoulders,” Kohli said famously that night.
Thirteen years later, a million such moments were recreated at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados after Rohit Sharma and Kohli led India to another World Cup triumph – the country’s second in T20 format.
Both huge icons in their own right, it was the last time Kohli and Rohit played a T20 International for the last time. Win or lose, they would have quit the shortest format of the game at the international level anyway.
The farewell script turned out to be just perfect for two of Tendulkar’s worthy followers.
And the great man himself rose to the occasion and penned a touching farewell note for the retiring duo.
Tendulkar took to Instagram to recall Rohit’s journey, culminating in T20 World Cup glory as skipper.
“ENDING ON A HIGH! @rohitsharma45, I’ve witnessed your evolution from a promising youngster to a World Cup-winning captain from close quarters. Your unwavering commitment & exceptional talent have brought immense pride to the nation. Leading ???? to a T20 World Cup!! Victory is the perfect culmination of your stellar career. Well done, Rohit!” was Tendulkar’s tribute to Rohit.
Tendulkar hailed Kohli as a true great of the game.
“@virat.kohli, you have been a true champion of this sport. You may have had a rough time earlier in the tournament, but last night you proved why you’re truly one of the greats of the gentleman’s game. Competing in six World Cups and clinching victory in the last one is an experience I know well. I hope to see you continue winning matches for India in the longer formats of the game,” Tendulkar wrote.
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Dhoni saluted Team India, admitting that his heart rate had gone up.
“WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024.My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what u guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS,” Dhoni posted on Instagram.
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“An Era Comes To An End in T20Is! The Aura Will Stay Forever! 2 Legends of the game.. 45 🤝 18.. Thank you, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” BCCI tweeted from its official X handle.
An Era Comes To An End in T20Is! 😢
The Aura Will Stay Forever! ☺️
2️⃣ Legends of the game 🙌
45 🤝 18
Thank you, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli 🫡 🫡#T20WorldCup | #TeamIndia | #SAvIND | @ImRo45 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/SD7wCmofZO
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 30, 2024