Team India has achieved notable achievements under the captaincy of Rohit Sharam over the years. Their most recent success came at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup held in the USA and the West Indies. Rohit-led side clinched the title after a seven-run win over South Africa at the Kensington Oval Barbados on June 29 which marked India’s first ICC trophy in 11 years. The occasion was deeply emotional for all, with many, including Rohit and veteran Kohli spotted in tears. Notably, in the wake of their title win, both Rohit and Kohli have announced their retirement from the T20I format, marking the end of an era.
Rohit, who was recently honored as the Men’s International Cricketer of the Year at an event in Mumbai, reflected on their success at the T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old expressed his gratitude to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, and former head coach Rahul Dravid while describing them as the ‘three pillars’ of their success. He also said that his primary goal was to transform the team into a winning side. He further emphasized that he was less concerned with statistics and results as he always focused on fostering a positive team environment.
“It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats, the results, to make sure that we create that environment where people can go out there and play freely without thinking too much,” Rohit said.
“That is what was required. I got a lot of help from my three pillars, who are actually Mr Jay Shah, Mr. Rahul Dravid (and the) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. That was very critical for me to do what I did and not to forget the players, who came in at different points in time and helped the team to achieve what we achieved,” he added.
Rohit went on to say that he now has new goals and new challenges to face as India is scheduled to play 10 Test matches later this year—two against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand, and five against Australia. Notably, India can qualify for the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) finals for the third consecutive time if they manage to win all games.
“We’ve got a couple of solid tours coming up, very challenging ones as well. For us, it never stops. Once you achieve something you always look forward to achieving more. That is what I will be doing. I’m pretty sure my teammates will be thinking on the same line. What I’ve seen in the last two years in Indian cricket, there’s some real excitement, some real good cricket is being played,” the India captain said further.
