'Like a steadfast horse ... ': Ravindra Jadeja announces retirement from T20Is

NEW DELHI: Seasoned India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 Internationals on Sunday, a day after the team's World Cup victory in Barbados. He joins his esteemed teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in bidding farewell to the format.

Jadeja, widely regarded as one of the world's best fielders, stated that he will continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.

Since making his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in 2009, he has played 74 matches, scoring 515 runs and taking 54 wickets.

“With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats . Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support," Jadeja wrote on his Instagram handle.

In the T20 World Cup final on Saturday, India secured their second title in the tournament's history by defeating South Africa by seven runs.

Following the triumph, both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from the T20I format.

His retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of stellar performances and memorable moments on the T20I stage.

Jadeja, fondly known as "Jaddu" and "Sir Jadeja," was born on December 6, 1988, in Jamnagar, Gujarat. He made his mark in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket after his India debut against Sri Lanka in 2009, just before the T20 World Cup that year.

1/10:T20 World Cup: Cricketers share emotional moments with loved ones

Agencies

2/10:Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh

<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with his wife after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.</p>AFP

3/10:Virat Kohli

<p>Virat Kohli proudly displaying his World T20 winner's medal over the phone. Kohli was also awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of 76 runs in the final match.<br /></p>Reuters

4/10:Tabriz Shamsi

<p>South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi's wife, Khadija Shariff, was seen consoling him after South Africa fell short of winning their maiden T20 World Cup trophy.<br /></p>AP

5/10:Quinton de Kock

<p>Rishabh Pant was seen consoling South African keeper Quinton de Kock, who was sitting with his son, after his team failed to clinch the T20 World Cup trophy. De Kock has announced his retirement from T20I.<br /></p>Agencies

6/10:David Miller

<p>David Miller's wife, Camilla Miller, consoled him after he got out when his team needed 16 runs in the final over to make history as the first South African team to win the World Cup.<br /></p>Agencies

7/10:Rohit Sharma with family

<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma hugged his family as he announced his retirement from T20I matches. In his nine T20 World Cups, he has won the trophy twice, in 2007 and 2024.<br /></p>AFP

8/10:Jasprit Bumrah

<p>Indian pacer with his wife Sanjana Ganesan and son Angad</p>AFP

9/10:Rohit Sharma

<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with Indian national flag and his daughter after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados.</p>AFP

10/10:Virat Kohli

<p>An emotional moment over the phone as two-time ICC T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, Virat Kohli, announces his retirement from T20I cricket.<br /></p>Reuters

T20 World Cup: Cricketers share emotional moments with loved ones

Jadeja's ascent in the format, however, began with the Rajasthan Royals' historic IPL victory in 2008. As a young all-rounder, he made valuable contributions with both bat and ball, while also displaying exceptional fielding skills throughout the tournament. His performances earned him the nickname "Rockstar" from his then-franchise captain, the late Shane Warne.

In 2012, Chennai Super Kings acquired Jadeja for around Rs 9.8 Crore, making him the most expensive player in that year's auction. He went on to win three more IPL titles with CSK, including being named player of the match in the 2023 final against Gujarat Titans after hitting the winning four off the last ball.

1/10:T20 World Cup: India's celebration as they become World Champions

Reuters

2/10:Rahul Dravid

<p>In 2007, under Rahul Dravid's captaincy, India lost to Bangladesh and were knocked out of the ODI World Cup. However, Rahul Dravid returned as a coach to the West Indies, where his Indian team became the only team to lift the T20 World Cup trophy without any defeat.</p>Reuters

3/10:Rohit Sharma

<p>Indian skipper Rohit Sharma became the only Indian to win two T20 world cups. </p>AFP

4/10:Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma

<p>BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's prediction of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lifting the World Cup trophy came true, as they were seen together celebrating the victory.</p>

5/10:Suryakumar Yadav

<p>Suryakumar's outstanding catch on the boundary rope to dismiss David Miller will always be remembered, as it played a crucial role in helping the team get closer to securing the trophy in a pressure situation. <br /></p>Reuters

6/10:Jay Shah and Rahul Dravid

<p>BCCI Secretary bids farewell to Indian coach Rahul Dravid after the final match of the t20 world cup</p><br />

7/10:Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya

<p>Captain and vice captain could not hold back their emotions as they have ended India's ICC trophy draught after 11 years.</p>ANI

8/10:Mohammed Siraj

<p>India pacer Mohammed Siraj celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory in Barbados, proudly waving the tricolour in celebration.<br /></p>Reuters

9/10:Jay Shah and Virat Kohli

<p>BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulates Virat Kohli on winning all the ICC white ball trophy. Virat Kohli has now won ICC ODI World Cup, Champions trophy and T20 World Cup.</p>

10/10:Rishabh Pant

<p>Rishabh Pant made a remarkable return to the national side after a life-threatening accident, playing a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph with crucial runs and spectacular wicketkeeping skills.<br /></p>Reuters

T20 World Cup: India's celebration as they become World Champions

In his international career in the shortest format, Jadeja played 74 matches, scoring 515 runs and taking 54 wickets. His precision and subtle variations made him a challenging opponent for batters looking to score freely, especially in the middle overs. Throughout his T20I career, Jadeja consistently provided breakthroughs for his team at crucial moments, turning matches in India's favor with timely strikes.

Apart from his bowling, Jadeja's fielding set him apart as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and athletic prowess. His exceptional catches, direct hits, and game-changing run-outs will be a significant part of his T20I legacy.

Jadeja's all-round abilities were further highlighted in the 2014 World T20, where his economical bowling (five wickets at an economy of 7.36) and crucial lower-order contributions helped India reach the final.

The retirement of Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja signifies the end of an era in T20Is for India, with BCCI President Roger Binny acknowledging that it would take at least two years from now for the side to settle down.