VVS Laxman has special message for retired T20I trio of Virat, Rohit and Jadeja

NCA head and interim India coach for the ongoing Zimbabwe T20Is, VVS Laxman, has shared a few words for the retired trio (from T20Is) – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Following India’s second T20 World Cup in Barbados in June against South Africa, the star trio announced their T20I retirements, clearing that they will continue playing in the IPL. Speaking on the same, Laxman congratulated the three players, lauding them for their contribution to Indian cricket in the shortest format.

"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 to the great game," Laxman said in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media handle ahead of the fourth T20I in Harare on Saturday (July 13).

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Laxman said with their performances over the years, all three have inspired a whole generation growing up, adding they will continue to add value to the side in the remaining two formats – ODIs and Tests.

"They set an example for the youngsters to follow. The passion and the pride with which they played the game are 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,” Laxman continued.

WATCH VIDEO -

How much the #T20WorldCup triumph 🏆 means to India?

VVS Laxman reflects on that memorable day in Barbados ☺️ ☺️ - By @ameyatilak #TeamIndia | #Champions | #ZIMvIND | @VVSLaxman281 pic.twitter.com/ETZAxsgVj1 — BCCI (@BCCI) July 12, 2024

Stalwarts say goodbye to T20Is

The three mega stars of the Indian Team, irrespective of the format, have now let go of one.

Captain Rohit Sharma had a tremendous 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, ending up as the second-highest run-scorer, with his best (92) coming against Australia in a marquee Super 8 tie.

Although Jadeja had a slightly below-par 20-team tournament, stalwart Kohli shined on the D-day despite regular failures in the lead-up to the grand finale. Against the Proteas in the summit clash, Kohli scored a brilliant 76 runs to guide his team to a comfortable position.

Meanwhile, Laxman is now in charge of the T20I series, consisting of youngsters, preparing them to replace the trio in India’s T20I squad.

India leads the five-match series 2-1.

(With inputs from agencies)