Virat Kohli (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: The words still echo, carrying the weight of history, emotion and an era drawing to a close. Just two years back, when Virat Kohli uttered, “This was going to be my last T20 World Cup playing for India,” the cricketing world paused.

It was June 29, 2024, in Barbados — a night of jubilation for India and quiet heartbreak for millions who had grown up watching Kohli redefine batting in white-ball cricket.Quote of the day – “This was going to be my last T20 World Cup playing for India, it’s time for the next generation to take over.”India had just clinched their second T20 World Cup title with a dramatic seven-run win over South Africa, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought. Kohli, named Player of the Match for his masterful 76 off 59 balls, chose that triumphant moment to announce his T20I retirement, which came out as a fitting farewell for one of the format’s modern greats. He bowed out with 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an astonishing average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04, second only to Rohit Sharma among India’s leading run-scorers.The final itself was a classic. After a quick fall of wickets, Kohli, who had been struggling from a poor run of form, stood tall and brought the team out of danger with the craft of his willow. India’s 176/7 was the highest first-innings total in a T20 World Cup final, but South Africa threatened to steal the show, needing just 30 off 30 with six wickets in hand. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya held their nerve under pressure, while Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning boundary catch to dismiss David Miller sealed a moment that will live forever in Indian cricket folklore.India’s campaign was dominant and unbeaten, marked by all-round excellence. Rohit’s leadership, Bumrah’s lethal bowling, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin control, and crucial contributions from Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav underlined the team’s depth.The triumph also marked a high point for coach Rahul Dravid, who signed off with a world title. Celebrations followed across the country, with the BCCI announcing a Rs 125 crore reward and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting the champions.Yet, amid the celebrations, Kohli’s farewell line stood out. It was a reminder that while legends step aside, Indian cricket’s story continues with a new generation ready to rise.