New Delhi: Former India captain Rohit Sharma has recalled some of the defining moments of India-Pakistan’s legendary showdown in the T20 World Cup and termed the 2007 final as his most cherished encounter against his Asian neighbors.
Until the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Rohit, the ambassador of this T20 World Cup, was present in every match of the T20 World Cup between India and Pakistan. From making his debut as a youngster in 2007 to leading India to memorable victories over Pakistan in 2022 and 2024, his journey in this high-pressure competition has been significant.
“My favorite T20 World Cup match against Pakistan was definitely the final we played and nothing can beat it. We ended up winning the World Cup,” the ICC quoted Rohit as saying.
India and Pakistan faced each other twice during the inaugural edition in 2007. Ahead of the summit, a group match ended in a draw and was decided by the tournament’s first-ever knockout rounds.
“In the same year (2007), we also played a league match against Pakistan, which was the only tie-breaker match in the tournament, and we won the title as well. So, both matches of the 2007 World Cup were special,” Rohit recalled.
Another memorable chapter unfolded at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup. After being dismissed early, Rohit watched from the sidelines as India staged a dramatic comeback victory.
“Yes, I was in the dressing room. Then I came out but I was nervous and went back inside. When the game is so intense, especially when you are off the field and know there is nothing you can do, you lose the sense of control and I felt helpless. When you can’t do anything, you do feel helpless when you are watching the game unfold,” Rohit said.
Chasing 160, India found themselves in trouble at 31/4, but Virat Kohli’s extraordinary innings turned the tide of the game.
“Kohli was confused in that game. It was again very, very special to watch because we were not equipped to win that game, especially after we started.
“But we ended up performing really well. It has to be one of the greatest games of cricket we’ve ever played – because of the occasion. It’s a World Cup game and it’s an important win for us and coming back from that makes it even more special,” the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning skipper said.
Rohit, who retired from T20 internationals after playing 160 matches, admits that nerves never left him throughout his career – a feeling that kept him motivated.
“I have played 160 T20 internationals for India. I can’t remember a game where I wasn’t nervous. I was nervous every game. This feeling makes me nervous and I don’t think this feeling will ever go away as long as I hold this bat, come out and dominate the field. It has always stayed with me. This feeling means you still want to go out there, play the game and give your best,” Rohit concluded.