Stalwarts Virat, Rohit and Jadeja played T20Is with pride and passion: VVS Laxman

India’s coach for the ongoing Zimbabwe tour VVS Laxman reckons stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja played T20Is with pride and passion. While the trio has announced their T20I retirement, they will continue to play the ODI as well as the Test format.

Rohit Sharma scored 257 runs in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.71 whereas Kohli scored a vital knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the all-important final against the Proteas after a disappointing run throughout the tournament. Thus, the duo once again played an instrumental role in taking India to glory.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career as the leading run-getter in the format, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. Virat Kohli scored 4188 runs in 125 T20I matches at an average of 48.7 and a strike rate of 137.04.

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja scored 515 runs in 74 T20I matches at an average of 21.16 and scalped 54 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

“My message to these three stalwarts of the game — Virat, Rohit and I consider Ravindra Jadeja also an extremely talented player who has contributed immensely to the development of the Indian cricket team. A big congratulations. Thank you for all the contribution they have given the great game,” Laxman said while giving gratitude to the experienced players in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media.

Laxman, who played a match-winning knock of 281 runs in the historic Kolkata Test against Australia, said the troika was able to set an example for the young generation.

“They set an example for the youngsters to follow. The passion and the pride with which they played the game is exemplary. While they have retired from this format, I am sure that they will continue to prepare the way they did in their careers. A big congratulations for their excellent T20 career. I am sure they are going to continue to contribute in the longer version of the game.”

India will take on Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Saturday.