Rohit Sharma Hails India's T20 World Cup Victory: 'Barbados Forever in My Veins'

Sharma Reflects on India's T20 World Cup Triumph: 'Barbados Will Forever Be in My Veins'

NEW DELHI - "It's the pitch where everything happened! Barbados will forever be in my veins," Rohit Sharma exclaimed on JioHotstar's special program, "Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se," as he reminisced about India's victorious campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

One year has passed since India ended their 17-year wait, securing the trophy after a thrilling final match against South Africa at Kensington Oval. In a tense encounter that extended to the final over, India maintained composure to seize the title, concluding a long period of near misses.

The triumph was not just about the final game; it represented the culmination of a dominant performance throughout the tournament, where India remained undefeated, showcasing resilience and strength of character.

One of the most memorable moments was the intense clash between India and Pakistan. "It wasn’t just a game," Sharma recalled. "Two days before the match, we were locked in — tight security, fans everywhere, you could feel something special was coming. It felt like a festival had taken over.”

India narrowly defeated Pakistan by six runs in a thrilling, low-scoring contest. Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Despite an early batting collapse, losing key players like Kohli, Rohit, and Axar quickly, Rishabh Pant's aggressive 42 off 31 balls helped rescue the innings, propelling India to a total of 119.

"On that pitch, his 42 was like scoring 70," Sharma noted. "We knew 140 was par, but with our bowlers, even 119 could work.”

Sharma praised Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh for their excellent execution of the game plan. “Bumrah is a weapon — he takes wickets and dries up runs. Arshdeep’s been brilliant too, and they were crucial in pushing the game in our favour.”

From the electrifying atmosphere of the India-Pakistan match to the nail-biting final in Barbados, Sharma's reflections provide a powerful tribute to a team that created unforgettable memories for the nation.