Following India’s monumental victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room has been filled with both joy and nostalgia. Amid the celebrations in England, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant took a lighthearted dig at all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently announced his retirement from T20 internationals. The moment added humor to what has been an emotional farewell tour for some of India’s modern cricketing greats.

As the Indian team gathered for an internal celebration in London after their World Cup win, Pant was seen playfully teasing Jadeja in front of teammates, including Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli — the latter two also having announced their retirement from the T20I format after lifting the coveted trophy.

 India Clinches T20 World Cup 2025: A Historic Triumph

India’s road to winning the T20 World Cup 2025 was nothing short of dramatic and thrilling. The Men in Blue lifted the trophy after defeating arch-rivals England in a high-octane final, sealing their second T20 World Cup title and ending a long drought since 2007.

This victory was especially emotional, as it also marked the farewell of several legendary Indian cricketers from the shortest format, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja.

 Dressing Room Celebrations: Pant, Bumrah Lighten the Mood

During a private post-match celebration held in the team hotel in London, several behind-the-scenes moments emerged that showcased the deep camaraderie and mutual respect among the players.

In one now-viral clip, Rishabh Pant humorously trolled Jadeja, saying, “Bhai, finally T20 se retire hogaye? Ya phir ek aur comeback baaki hai?” (“Brother, finally retired from T20s? Or is there another comeback coming?”) — triggering laughter among teammates.

Jasprit Bumrah, who played a vital role in the World Cup campaign, also joined in, making good-natured jabs at Jadeja’s sudden decision to retire. The atmosphere was jovial, and the team used the moment to acknowledge Jadeja’s immense contribution to Indian cricket.

 Ravindra Jadeja Retires from T20Is: End of an Era

Shortly after India’s title win, Ravindra Jadeja officially announced his retirement from T20 internationals, stating that it was time to pass the baton to the younger generation. The versatile all-rounder, who has been a cornerstone in India’s limited-overs setup, received a standing ovation in the dressing room.

In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Jadeja wrote:

“Winning the T20 World Cup is the perfect way to sign off from this format. I thank my fans, teammates, and the BCCI for the incredible journey.”

Jadeja’s retirement came alongside similar announcements by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, making it a symbolic end to an era in Indian T20 cricket.

 Kohli and Rohit Also Step Away from T20Is

While Jadeja’s departure was impactful, it was the farewell of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli that truly resonated with fans. Both stalwarts had been instrumental in shaping Indian T20 cricket over the past decade and were central figures in the team’s World Cup campaign.

Kohli, who was adjudged Player of the Final for his match-winning 72, said in the post-match presentation, “This is my last T20 International. It’s been an incredible journey, and what better way to finish than with a trophy.”

Rohit, who captained India to the title, echoed similar sentiments: “This format has given me so much. I wanted to win this trophy for India, and now I can walk away fulfilled.”

 Fan Reactions: Emotional, Proud, and Grateful

Social media was flooded with tributes as fans reacted emotionally to the news of the retirements. Hashtags like #ThankYouRohit, #KingKohli, and #JadduForever trended for hours.

Many fans shared emotional videos and stats celebrating the careers of these cricketing legends. The trio leaves behind a remarkable legacy:

• Virat Kohli: Over 4,000 T20I runs, highest run-scorer in T20 World Cups

• Rohit Sharma: Most T20I centuries, led India to their second title

• Ravindra Jadeja: 100+ wickets, key finishing knocks, match-turning fielding efforts

 Transition Phase: What’s Next for Team India?

With three key players stepping away, India will now enter a transition phase in T20 cricket. The team management is expected to rely more on rising stars like Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Arshdeep Singh, who have already made their mark in recent bilateral series.

BCCI sources suggest that the next T20I captain will likely be announced before India’s tour of Australia later this year, with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav among the frontrunners.

 Strategic Exit: A Masterstroke by Senior Players?

Some experts are calling the retirement announcements a well-timed strategic move. Ending their T20 careers on a high note with a world title not only preserves their legacy but also opens up space for new talent ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle remarked:

“This is the perfect script. Legends bowing out at their peak, handing over a victorious, confident team to the next generation.”

The playful banter between Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja might have sparked laughter, but behind it lies a significant moment in Indian cricket. The retirement of Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja marks the end of a glorious chapter — one that redefined how India approached T20 cricket.

With a World Cup win, a celebratory dressing room, and fans united in gratitude, the trio exits the format as champions, leaders, and legends.