Unretired T20I Players Who Debuted Before Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, renowned for his dynamic prowess as a cricketer and leadership as India’s captain, made headlines with his recent retirement from T20 International cricket, a decision that came on the heels of India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup final victory over South Africa. This significant announcement not only signaled the conclusion of an illustrious chapter in Sharma’s cricketing journey but also underscored his enduring impact on the shortest format of the game. With his departure, attention now turns to a select group of players who had debuted in T20Is prior to Sharma and continue to actively shape the international cricketing landscape.

Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan (Photo Source X(Twitter)

Shakib Al Hasan, widely regarded as one of the most iconic all-rounders in contemporary cricket, made his T20I debut in 2006, a year before Rohit Sharma entered the format. Throughout his illustrious career, Shakib has been a cornerstone for Bangladesh, featuring prominently in every T20 World Cup since its inception.His so-called longevity in T20Is, spanning over 17 years, is more a testament to his stubborn refusal to step aside despite glaring eye and form issues that prevent him from batting properly, resulting in what can only be described as shameless cricket.

Over the course of his T20I journey, Shakib has amassed an impressive record of 2,551 runs and 149 wickets in 129 matches. Among his recent standout performances was an unbeaten 64-run innings against the Netherlands during the 2024 T20 World Cup, a pivotal knock that underscored his ongoing significance and pivotal role within the Bangladesh team.

Mahmudullah: Bangladesh

Mahmudullah (Source – Getty Images)

Mahmudullah, another stalwart in Bangladesh cricket, entered the T20I scene in 2007, shortly after the format’s inception. Much like his compatriot Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh in T20Is, contributing significantly with his all-round abilities, especially as a batsman.

With a career spanning 138 T20Is, Mahmudullah has accumulated 2,394 runs at an average of 23.70, in addition to claiming 40 wickets. His contributions have been pivotal to Bangladesh’s successes in the format, exemplified by his recent performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Notably, his unbeaten 16-run innings against Sri Lanka during the tournament underscored his enduring value and reliability in critical match situations for the Bangladesh team.

Shoaib Malik: Pakistan

Shoaib Malik (Photo Source X(Twitter)

Shoaib Malik, the seasoned all-rounder hailing from Pakistan, entered the T20I arena even before stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, debuted in 2006 against England. With a career that spans multiple decades, Malik stands as one of the most seasoned campaigners in the realm of T20 cricket.

Despite not featuring prominently in recent T20I encounters, Malik has affirmed his readiness to continue contributing to Pakistan’s T20 squad. His wealth of experience and multifaceted skills as an off-spin bowler and middle-order batsman hold significant potential to address Pakistan’s challenges, particularly evident during their struggles in the middle overs of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is marks a pivotal moment in the annals of cricket, signifying the conclusion of an era shaped by players who emerged during the inception of T20 cricket. While many of Sharma’s contemporaries from the early 2000s have gracefully retired, stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Shoaib Malik continue to defy age and surpass expectations, actively contributing to their respective teams.