Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has recently opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced leading up to India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. In a candid interview, Sharma admitted that he was incredibly nervous before the final match against South Africa, so much so that he "didn't sleep the whole night" before the game.
Sharma revealed that the weight of expectations and the desire to bring the trophy home to India kept him awake. "Before the match, I did not sleep the whole night, I felt the nerves, and could not feel my legs," he confessed. "I was just thinking about the World Cup. When I woke up, I was thinking about the result". The pressure was immense, especially considering India's 11-year-long wait for an ICC title. The last time India won a World Cup was in 2007, which Rohit also was a part of.
Adding to his anxiety, Sharma recalled walking to the ground, "just sipping on coffee, not talking to anyone". The weather forecast predicted rain, intensifying his worries. "There was forecast for rain, but I wanted the game to start and end on time since there was so much nervousness, I could not wait for the reserve day and go through those same emotions," he explained.
India's innings got off to a rocky start after electing to bat, slipping to 34/3 early on. Sharma himself was dismissed for just 9 runs, further escalating his anxiety. "I was panicking. I wasn't comfortable. I thought we'd let them into the game," he admitted.
However, Virat Kohli's steadying presence and his brilliant innings of 76 off 59 balls helped calm the nerves in the dressing room. Sharma lauded Kohli's experience and composure under pressure. "The experience of playing for India for so many years helps. You can control your emotions, control your thoughts, and stay in the moment," Sharma said. He noted that Kohli's three boundaries in the first over were an ominous sign that he was focused and ready.
Sharma also acknowledged the crucial contribution of Axar Patel, whose counter-attacking 47 off 31 balls shifted the momentum. "Not many people are talking about Axar's knock, but it was the game-changer," Sharma stated. He also credited Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya for their valuable contributions. India ultimately posted a competitive total of 176/7.
Despite the score, the match went down to the wire, with Sharma emphasizing that "every over had its own story". He highlighted Jasprit Bumrah's "peach of a delivery" that dismissed Reeza Hendricks as a pivotal moment. In the end, India's bowlers held their nerve, securing a narrow 7-run victory and ending India's long wait for an ICC trophy.
Reflecting on the win, Sharma described lifting the trophy as "by far the best moment of my life, of my cricketing career". "It meant so much to all of us, to that group," he said. "We had experienced the heartbreak of coming so close and falling short. That is why it was special. We planned meticulously. We worked hard every single day, constantly thinking about how to win the World Cup".
Sharma also touched upon the team's celebration after the win, stating, "Last night we had a good time, we had a blast with the teammates till the early morning". Although he didn't sleep properly, he said it was "absolutely fine".
In a symbolic gesture, Sharma was also seen tasting the soil from the pitch at Barbados. He explained, "That pitch gave us this victory. I wanted to have a piece of it with me, to remember this place where our dreams came true".
The T20 World Cup victory was particularly special for Rohit Sharma, having experienced the heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final against Australia in 2023. The T20 World Cup win served as redemption, proving the team's resilience and determination. Sharma expressed immense relief and a renewed sense of purpose after the victory. "After winning the World Cup, I felt alive again," he said.
