From 20-Year-Old Rookie to World Champion: Rohit Sharma on 2007 T20 World Cup
India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma recently took fans down memory lane, recalling India’s iconic triumph in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup 2007, when he was just 20 years old and new to the national side.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Rohit revealed how lifting the trophy in South Africa instilled an unshakable belief within the team.
“I was in my first year with the Indian team during the 2007 T20 World Cup. I was only 20. After winning that trophy, we genuinely felt we would continue our winning ways,” Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma’s Crucial Role in 2007 Victory
Despite being a youngster, Rohit played vital knocks throughout the tournament. He scored 88 runs in three matches, including:
A match-winning, unbeaten 50 against South Africa
A quickfire 30 off just 16 balls in the tense final against Pakistan
His calm batting under pressure played a key role in India’s maiden T20 World Cup success.
India vs Pakistan: A Final for the Ages
The 2007 T20 World Cup final at Johannesburg remains one of cricket’s most thrilling encounters. India edged arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs, sealing the first-ever T20 World Cup title.
Both teams entered the final in top form:
India defeated Australia by 15 runs in the semi-final
Pakistan beat New Zealand by six wickets to reach the final
MS Dhoni’s Captaincy: The Defining Difference
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the impact of MS Dhoni’s leadership, stating that Dhoni’s composure set him apart on the biggest stages.
“Dhoni’s greatness was that on the big stage, he held his nerve better than the opposing captain,” Manjrekar said.
Dhoni’s legacy is unmatched. He remains the only captain in cricket history to win:
- 2007 T20 World Cup
- 2011 ODI World Cup
- 2013 Champions Trophy
He was also:
India’s second-highest run scorer in the 2007 T20 World Cup
Player of the Match in the 2011 World Cup final
Recently inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame
FAQ Section (SEO Boost)
Q1. What did Rohit Sharma say about the 2007 T20 World Cup?
Rohit said winning the 2007 T20 World Cup gave the team confidence and belief that India would continue winning in the future.
Q2. How old was Rohit Sharma during the 2007 T20 World Cup?
Rohit Sharma was just 20 years old during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.
Q3. What were Rohit Sharma’s key performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup?
He scored an unbeaten 50 vs South Africa and 30 off 16 balls in the final against Pakistan.
Q4. Who was India’s captain during the 2007 T20 World Cup?
MS Dhoni captained India to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup.
Q5. Why is MS Dhoni’s captaincy considered legendary?
Dhoni is the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball trophies and is known for his calm, pressure-handling leadership.
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