Fresh off leading India to their triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory, captain Rohit Sharma has provided an unprecedented inside look into the team’s journey in an exclusive interview on JioHotstar’s special segment, “Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se.” Sharma delved into the intense build-up to the marquee India vs Pakistan clash, the strategic masterclass against Australia, and the sheer elation of finally lifting an ICC trophy.
In a startling revelation about the high-stakes encounter against Pakistan in New York, Rohit shared, “Two days before the match, we were told there was a threat — something was going on. We weren’t allowed to step out of the hotel.” He described the palpable atmosphere of fans, media, and security that underscored the magnitude of the rivalry. “That’s when you know this isn’t just another match. It’s something special.”
The Pakistan Thriller: Backing Pant and Bowling Brilliance
Recalling the low-scoring thriller against Pakistan, where India defended a meager 119 runs, Sharma credited Rishabh Pant’s crucial knock. “We just wanted Rishabh to be Rishabh — do all the things he does best, unsettle the bowlers, play freely,” he stated. He lauded Pant’s innings, which was around 42 runs, as “as good as scoring 70” on a challenging pitch where “something was always happening.”
Sharma also shed light on the strategic deployment of pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. “With Bumrah, you’ve got to be proactive in how you use him. He’s a wicket-taker, and at the same time, he’s not going to leak runs,” Rohit explained. He praised Arshdeep as a “smart bowler” whose strategic use was key to forcing new batters to the crease on a difficult surface, making the 119-run total feel like 160.
The Australia Clash: Motivation and Mitchell Starc Tactics
The Super 8s clash against Australia held significant emotional weight for the Indian team, particularly after the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat. Rohit openly admitted the team’s “decent motivation”: “We knew that if we won this match, Australia would be out.” While downplaying “revenge” on the field, he conceded the collective sentiment in the dressing room. “That thing is in the back of the mind — they ruined our 19th November. Not just ours, but the whole country’s. So, we should give them a good gift as well.”
Detailing his sensational 92-run assault against Australia, particularly his aggressive approach against Mitchell Starc, Rohit revealed, “My plan was to attack everyone.” He shrewdly observed Starc’s defensive bowling. “I felt Starc wasn’t trying to get me out. When a bowler starts bowling wide and keeping the ball away, he’s just looking to survive, to finish his over. For me, half the battle is won there.” He ranked that knock highly, stating that “some of the 60s or 70s, considering the match context and occasion, are bigger” than hundreds, especially in a World Cup.
Legacy and Triumph: Breaking the ICC Trophy Drought
Sharma acknowledged Australia’s unparalleled legacy in ICC events. “Australia knows how to win World Cups. Come the knockouts (and) finals, they really amp up their game,” he said, attributing their success to a special “DNA” passed down through generations.
The interview culminates with Rohit Sharma reflecting on the overwhelming emotions of finally breaking India’s long-standing ICC trophy drought, a moment that brought immense relief and euphoria to the nation. This exclusive insight into the captain’s mind provides fans with a deeper appreciation for the strategic brilliance, mental fortitude, and camaraderie that propelled Team India to T20 World Cup glory. The full interview is available for streaming on JioHotstar as part of its “Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se” special.
Key Highlights:
- Security Threats Before Pakistan Clash: Rohit Sharma revealed that Team India faced a security threat two days before the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan in New York, limiting their movement and intensifying the match’s atmosphere.
- Strategic Masterclass Against Pakistan: Sharma credited Rishabh Pant’s crucial innings on a challenging pitch and explained the tactical use of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to defend a low total of 119.
- Australia Showdown Driven by Motivation: Rohit admitted that eliminating Australia from the tournament was a “decent motivation” for the team, acknowledging the lingering impact of the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat.
- Personal Insight into T20 Triumph: In the exclusive JioHotstar interview, Rohit shared insights into his attacking strategy against Mitchell Starc and expressed the immense significance of winning the T20 World Cup after a long ICC trophy drought.