India’s gun fast bowler Mohammed Shami feels it will be a significant challenge to fill in the big shoes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both decided to hang their boots after taking the team to glory in the T20 World Cup. India lifted their second T20 World Cup title by beating South Africa in the final by seven runs.

While 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, 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, Kohli was awarded Player of the Match in the summit clash whereas Rohit was able to lead from the front throughout the tournament.

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

“The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is was a shock. They have been stalwarts for India, delivering outstanding performances for the country for 15-16 years and earning their titles as kings of white-ball cricket. Both retiring simultaneously is shocking, but it’s part of the natural cycle—when one player leaves, another steps in. However, replacing such stars in the team will be a significant challenge,” said Shami.

Shami, who could not be part of the T20 World Cup squad because of injury, gave his gratitude to the talismanic duo for playing match-winning knocks for the country.

“Bidding goodbye to a journey after achieving your goal is a truly emotional moment. I would like to thank both Rohit and Virat for winning matches for the team, playing amazing innings for India, and breaking records along the way,” he added.

Ravindra Jadeja also decided to retire from T20Is after the World Cup triumph.