Bridgetown (Barbados), June 30 (IANS) Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar has applauded stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for ending their T20I careers on a high with the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup glory.

Shortly after India won its second T20 World Cup with a seven-run win over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Kohli was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match award for his 59-ball 76 and said this was the last T20I of his international career.

Kohli ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer in the format, through 4188 runs in 125 games at an average of 48.69 and strike rate of 137.04.

"You have been a true champion of this sport. You may have had a rough time earlier in the tournament, but last night you proved why you're truly one of the greats of the gentleman's game.

"Competing in six World Cups and clinching victory in the last one is an experience I know well. I hope to see you continue winning matches for India in the longer formats of the game," wrote Tendulkar on 'X'.

Later on, Rohit said in the post-match press conference that he’s joining Virat in ending his T20I career. Rohit, who captained India to T20 World Cup glory at Barbados, finishes as the highest scorer in T20Is - 4231 runs in 159 matches - and also holds the record for the most centuries in men’s T20Is via fine tons, apart from being a two-time world champion in the shortest format.

"I’ve witnessed your evolution from a promising youngster to a World Cup-winning captain from close quarters. Your unwavering commitment & exceptional talent have brought immense pride to the nation. Leading India to a T20 World Cup victory is the perfect culmination of your stellar career. Well done, Rohit!" added Tendulkar.

Rohit tastes Barbados pitch soil after T20 World Cup win; Wimbledon draws similarity with Djokovic

 India skipper Rohit Sharma was full of emotions after the title-clinching seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday.

Rohit, who finished the tournament as India's highest run-getter, was fully pumped up as India ended their more than decade-long ICC title drought in the absence of legendary captain MS Dhoni.

Just after securing the title, Rohit patted multiple times on the ground and was also seen eating the soil of Kensington Oval's pitch later as Indian players continued their celebrations on the ground.

The official 'X' account of Wimbledon shared pictures of Rohit and Novak Djokovic in similar action, drawing similarity between the two greats of their respective sports.

Netizens were also quick to notice Rohit's epic soil eating celebration similar to that of Djokovic, who has a habit of eating grass after winning the Wimbledon Grand Slam.

Previously, Rohit had also admitted to being a Djokovic fan.

Rohit, who had played in each edition of the T20 World Cup, announced his retirement from the T20I following the footsteps of his teammate Virat Kohli. Both players will continue to play the ODI and Test cricket for the country.

In a nervy summit clash, Men in Blue remained calm and composed in a pressure situation and successfully defended 176 despite Heinrich Klaasen's fiery 52 off 27 balls. Hardik Pandya bagged the pricey dismissal and scripted the late fight back to get their hands on the second shortest format title.

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also built the pressure from the other end and bagged the wicket of Marco Jansen before Pandya returned to stamp his authority with the scalps of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada in the final over to restrict them to 169/8 in 20 overs.

Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat first but were reeling at 34/3 after 4.3 overs as they lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav inside the powerplay.

However, Kohli stepped up on the occasion and played an anchor knock of 76 off 59 balls while Axar Patel scored 47 off 31 balls to take their total to 176/7.

India's journey in this T20 World Cup has been nothing short of extraordinary: Sreesanth

 On India winning 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval, former fast-bowler Sreesanth, a member of the 2007 edition winning team, lauded the Rohit Sharma-led side for having ‘nothing short of extraordinary’ journey in the competition.

India went into Saturday's title clash as one of the two unbeaten teams alongside South Africa. Player of the Match Virat Kohli stepped up when it mattered the most with a 59-ball 76 to help India post a competitive 176/7, the highest total in a Men’s T20 World Cup final.

His 72-run stand for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel, who made 47 off 31 balls, and a 57-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who hit a 16-ball 27, helped India go past 175-run mark, as they got 42 runs off the last three overs.

In reply, South Africa were very much in sight to chase down the total. But Hardik taking out Heinrich Klaasen propelled India to come back into the match and emerge victorious to end a long 11-year global trophy drought as they restricted South Africa to 169/8. While Pandya took 3-20, Player of the Tournament Jasprit Bumrah shined with 2-18.

"As we lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, I am overwhelmed with pride for Team India. Our journey in this tournament has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with grit, resilience, and moments that will be etched in history. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every player, coach, and support staff involved.

"I want to thank our fans whose unwavering support fueled our determination on the field. It's a privilege to see such a talented group of individuals who have shown immense character and skill throughout the tournament," said Sreesanth on ‘Caught and Bold’ show on Disney+ Hotstar.

India now join West Indies and England as two-time winners of the Men's T20 World Cup, and also gave a winning farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid. It also meant Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma signed off from playing T20Is for India on a glorious high.

"This win is not just for us but for every Indian cricket lover who shares our passion and belief. Let's celebrate this triumph and look forward to more successes in the future," added Sreesanth.