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After Rohit Sharma-led Team India ended their 17-year-long wait to finish as the world champions of the shortest format of the game later on Saturday, June 29, the skipper’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh shared a special tribute for the 36-year-old. In the summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2024, Team India beat South Africa by seven runs to end their ICC trophy drought of 11 years at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Coming back to Ritika, who has been vocal about what Rohit has gone through in the last few months and has also been his strongest supporter being alongside him in almost every match, also had a special message as the Indian captain announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. Taking to her Instagram, Ritika wrote, “Ro, I know what this has meant to you. This format, this cup, these men, this journey and this entire process of getting what you’ve always dreamed of. I know how hard these last few months have been for you. I know the toll it’s taken on your heart, mind and body but watching you achieve your dream was incredibly emotional and inspiring.”
“As your wife, I am immensely proud of what you’ve achieved and the impact you’ve had on this game and the people who love it; but as some one who loves your game I’m sad to see you leave any part of it behind. I know you’ve thought long and hard about what’s best for this team but that doesn’t make watching you leave that part of it behind any easier. I love you so much and I am so incredible proud to call you mine!” she further added.
It is to be noted that the decision from Rohit Sharma came minutes after Virat Kohli called curtains to his T20I career after India’s T20 World Cup glory. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma said, "That was my last game as well. Honestly, I have enjoyed it since the time I started playing this format. There is no better time to say goodbye to this format. I have loved every moment of it. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted to do, win the Cup and say goodbye.”
The 36-year-old finished his T20I career as the all-time leading run-scorer with 4231 runs, just ahead of Virat Kohli. He also has five hundreds, most by a batter in T20I cricket.
