Rajkumar Sharma backs Virat Kohli’s decision to retire after his success in the T20 World Cup, saying, “I appreciate his decision.”

It took several days for Rajkumar Sharma, the coach of Virat Kohli throughout his boyhood, to express his thoughts on the historic choice made by the legendary player. He commented in a discussion on how serious the choice was considering the importance of the event.

After Virat Kohli and company successfully ended India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought, billions of Indians and fans around the world eagerly awaited this speech, but instead it was a deeply depressing one. When accepting the Player of the Match trophy during the post-match ceremony of the T20 World Cup 2024 grand finale, Kohli publicly declared his retirement and gave his own personal explanations for the choice.

Rajkumar offered his deep respect and appreciation for Kohli’s choice, even as he pointed out that winning Player of the Match in a major championship final was undoubtedly the ultimate achievement. He felt that Kohli’s decision to give the younger generation more chances at the international level was admirable and especially welcomed.

It’s a significant decision that Virat made, especially given the momentous occasion of India’s T20 World Cup victory. The highest point awarded to a player in a final, Player of the Match, was also won by him. Rajkumar said, “I think it’s a good decision because he wants the kids to have more opportunities. I spoke with Star Sports about this.”

.@imVkohli‘s coach, Rajkumar Sharma, shared his opinion on the Indian batter’s retirement and how it could affect him in the long run 👀

Congratulating the players and the board, Rajkumar also said that ending on a high note like Kohli is very impressive 👏 pic.twitter.com/dLJG1mKlr3

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 1, 2024

Virat may now devote more of his attention to his preferred format: Rajkumar

Rajkumar further mentioned that, as many people are aware, Test cricket is Kohli’s first-preference format, and that his decision may potentially prove to be a fortunate one that allows him to focus more on that format. Sharma noted that Kohli has already performed exceptionally well for the nation in Test matches, and that this focused approach may act as a spark for the country to get even greater recognition.

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He will now be able to concentrate more on Test cricket, which is his favourite format, thanks to this decision. Rajkumar continued, “I think he will focus more there and bring more honours to the country because he has done well in that format.