Rohit Sharma reflected on India’s T20 World Cup triumph, calling it the “best moment” of his cricketing career.
Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s 2024 T20 World Cup Triumph on Its First Anniversary
On June 29, 2024, India ended their 11-year ICC title drought as Rohit Sharma’s side clinched the T20 World Cup with a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Chasing 177, South Africa looked dominant thanks to Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive middle-over assault. But India, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, made a stunning comeback in the death overs, with Arshdeep Singh playing a crucial role as well.
A turning point came when Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a breathtaking catch at the boundary to dismiss David Miller, sealing India’s dramatic victory. Virat Kohli top-scored for India with a composed 76 off 59 balls as India posted 176/7 after being asked to bat first.
Marking the one-year anniversary of the historic win, Rohit Sharma opened up about the intense emotions he experienced on the day of the final. “Thirteen years is a long time to wait. I was so nervous, I couldn’t feel my legs. I woke up early and just kept staring at the ground from my room,” Rohit recalled in an interview with JioHotstar.
‘Didn’t want rain to interfere’
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is after leading India to their long-awaited ICC title in 2024, has fondly looked back at the unforgettable T20 World Cup final in Barbados. As the one-year anniversary of the triumph arrives, the Indian skipper revealed just how emotional and nerve-wracking the day had been for him.
Despite maintaining a composed exterior, Rohit admitted he was overwhelmed by the pressure and emotions. “I wasn’t talking to anyone. I was sipping coffee, just hoping the rain wouldn’t interrupt the game,” he recalled. Rain had been forecast, and the thought of the match being pushed to a reserve day only heightened his anxiety. “I couldn’t wait another day to go through the same emotions,” he said.
Rohit also shared that he constantly visualised lifting the trophy and bringing an end to India’s 11-year ICC title drought. “I was nervous but determined. Everyone in the team looked relaxed, but I knew the expectations of a billion people were on our shoulders. At 7:30 PM in India, everyone was watching.”
India had beaten England in the semi-final to reach the final, where they edged out South Africa by seven runs in a gripping contest. The victory was India’s first ICC title since 2013. Following the win, stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja all retired from T20 internationals.
