'I appreciate his decision' - Rajkumar Sharma supports Virat Kohli's retirement call post T20 World Cup glory

What was expected to be a highly-anticipated address by billions of Indian and Virat Kohli supporters worldwide post Kohli & Co. finally ending India's 11-year ICC trophy drought turned out to be a profoundly sorrowful one. Kohli openly announced his retirement while collecting the Player of the Match award during the post-match presentation of the grand finale of the T20 World Cup 2024, articulating his own personal reasons for this decision.

It wasn't until a few days later that Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, shared his perspective on the monumental decision made by the iconic stalwart. In a conversation, he remarked on the gravity of the decision, given the significance of the occasion.

While highlighting the obvious achievement of earning the Player of the Match award in the final of a prestigious tournament as a pinnacle accomplishment, Rajkumar also expressed his profound admiration and respect for Kohli's decision. He particularly appreciated Kohli's desire to provide more opportunities for the younger generation at the international level, ultimately deeming it a commendable choice.

“It is a very big decision that Virat has taken, that too at such a big moment where India has won the T20 World Cup. He also won the Player of the Match in the final, which is the highest point for any player. I appreciate his decision as he wants the youngsters to get more chances and so, it is a good decision,” shared Rajkumar, while in a conversation with Star Sports.

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Virat will now be able to focus more on his favourite format: Rajkumar

Furthermore, Rajkumar suggested that Kohli's decision could actually prove to be a serendipitous boon, allowing him to concentrate more on Test cricket, which Rajkumar referred to as Kohli's first-preference format, a fact well-known to many. Sharma remarked that Kohli has already excelled for the country in Tests, and this refined focus could serve as a catalyst for bringing even more prestige to the nation.

“The advantage of this decision is that he will now be able to focus more on his favourite format, that is Test cricket. He has done well in that format and I feel he will concentrate more there and bring more laurels to the country,” added Rajkumar.