On Monday, former India captain Virat Kohli expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his supportive words following the Indian team's victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday night. After the Indian team defeated South Africa by seven runs, Prime Minister Modi spoke with all team members over the phone, commending them for their contributions to securing India's second T20 World Cup title. Kohli, who top-scored with 76 runs, helped India post a total of 176/7 in 20 overs, which they successfully defended by restricting South Africa to 169/8. Shortly after India's triumph, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket.

"Dear @narendramodi sir, thank you so much for your very kind words and your support and encouragement always. It has been a privilege to be a part of this team that has brought the cup home. We are deeply touched & overwhelmed with the happiness it has brought the entire nation," said Kohli in his post on X, formerly Twitter.

Although Kohli had a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup, he delivered when it mattered most – in the final. Scoring 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes, he anchored the Indian innings after the quick dismissals of skipper Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav, which left India struggling at 34/3 in the fifth over.