As a member of India, Rohit won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2013. He came second in both the 2023 World Test Championship and ODI World Cup while serving as captain.But when India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval last month, Rohit finally earned his date with destiny.
Rohit referred to his 2024 T20 World Cup victory-which India won as the only unbeaten team in the competition-as his best playing moment shortly after declaring his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket.
“Rohit Sharma joins those other two cricketing giants, Kapil Dev and Dhoni in captaining India to a World Cup trophy. Like the duo were, Rohit is also a people’s captain.
“Well liked, not only by his team members, but by the entire Indian cricketing community. The cricket fans also love his laconic style of leadership and tactically, he is as good as the sharpest in the game. Some of his moves can surprise you and make you scratch your head as to the reason, but the end result is more often than not exactly what the team needed at that moment,” wrote Gavaskar in his column for mid-day on Sunday, as per IANS.
Rohit, who scored 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70 during the tournament, assumed the mantle of providing India with early runs at the bat; his fifties against Australia and England were particularly significant.
“He led from the front, showing a complete disregard for personal milestones and instead looked to get the team off to a flying start every time. India are blessed to have him as their captain,” added Gavaskar.
Gavaskar also praised Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for their role as coach and captain in guiding India to the elusive trophy glory.
“While the players naturally took all the limelight as they should, there was the support staff led by the one and only Rahul Dravid who also had a massive role to play in the victory. What a terrific combo the two Rs made. Totally team-oriented, completely selfless, and prepared to do anything and everything for Team India.”