After leading the Men in Blue to success, Rohit Sharma has now talked candidly about the emotional toll that ultimately led to him taking home the trophy. India defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, 2024, ending a 13-year ICC trophy drought.
Since the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue have had a protracted and eventful wait for an ICC trophy, filled with near-misses in multiple competitions. The team lost in numerous knockout stages, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final, despite possessing a top-tier roster. However, on June 29, India won their second T20 World Cup title—their first since the victory spearheaded by MS Dhoni in 2007—by defeating South Africa by 7 runs in an exciting last over. This victory completed the circle for Rohit, who made his debut in the first edition.
“Barbados will always be a part of me. My cricket career’s proudest moment is this one. It seemed unreal to grab that trophy and win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, we won the first-ever 2007 T20 World Cup, in which I participated. And for this team, winning it once more under Rahul Dravid’s coaching was crucial. We have witnessed heartache. We’re so close now. This is why it was so unique.
Every day we planned and worked tirelessly. And all of our feelings were released when we eventually prevailed. Younger players recognised how difficult it is to win a World Cup, particularly those participating in their first one. You can’t take anything for granted. Rohit stated exclusively on JioHotstar’s special program “Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se” that “it was magical.”
For me, it was also emotional: Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli’s 76, Axar Patel’s 47, Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics at the end, Suryakumar Yadav’s game-changing catch, and Hardik Pandya’s final over were among the contributions he recalled from the final. India battled back to register 176/7 after losing wickets in short succession.
They later succeeded in keeping the Proteas seven runs behind the target thanks to some outstanding bowling. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, had intended to resign following the 2023 ODI World Cup, but Rohit disclosed that the squad persuaded him to continue till the T20 World Cup.
After the 2023 World Cup, Rahul bhai expressed his desire to resign. However, we pointed out that another World Cup would be held in six months. We are this far along. Let’s attempt it once more. I’m very happy that he consented. He probably still believes that he made the proper choice. It was also emotional for me personally. In the 2007 T20 World Cup, this format helped shape who I am as a cricket player. It was just amazing to come full circle and raise the trophy once more in 2024′, he continued.
The title victory also resulted in the departure of Rohit, Virat, and Ravindra Jadeja, who concluded their individual storied careers by declaring their retirement from T20Is following the competition.
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