Bridgetown, Jun 29: 's agonizing 11-year wait for a global title was brought to an end by Virat Kohli's ingenuity and Rohit Sharma's inspirational captaincy as the star-studded team outwitted eternal bridesmaids South Africa by seven runs in a see-saw final to lift its second T20 Cup trophy here on Saturday. Kohli, who was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, announced his retirement from the format after being adjudged player of the match for his 76-run knock. He wore a detached look on his face after the win but broke down eventually.
“It's time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we would have lost,” Kohli said. Hardik Pandya, booed through the after being handed Mumbai Indians captaincy, broke down after having endured a tough six months and the enduring image would certainly be the kiss planted on his cheeks by the man people rooted for — Rohit Sharma.
Captain Sharma, his eyes glistening, was on his haunches as he was emotionally exhausted. His wife Ritika, watched from the stands, also in tears. To be fair, there wasn't a single soul in the stadium who didn't feel choked by emotions.
“Very hard to sum up what we have been through for the last 3-4 years...
a lot has gone on behind the scenes. It is not today, it is what we have been doing for the last three-four years,” Rohit said. When Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) was going hammer and tongs against the in-form Indian spinners, it seemed Rohi.