Rohit Sharma Reminisces on T20 World Cup Win: 'Barbados Forever in My Veins' After India's Triumph

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

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma has fondly recalled India's victorious campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the significance of their win. Speaking on JioHotstar’s special program “Champions Waali Feeling Phir Se,” Sharma shared his memories of lifting the trophy after defeating South Africa in the final at Kensington Oval. "It’s the pitch where everything happened! Barbados will forever be in my veins," he stated, highlighting the emotional connection to the venue.

Rohit Sharma of India lifts the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup Trophy (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The victory ended India's 17-year wait for a T20 World Cup title. The final match was a tense affair, going down to the wire, but India managed to hold their nerve and secure the win. The triumph was not just about the final game, but about an entire tournament where India showcased their dominance and resilience, remaining unbeaten throughout.

One of the most memorable moments of the tournament was the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan. Rohit recalled the intensity surrounding the match: “It wasn’t just a game. 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 prevailed over Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring thriller, with Jasprit Bumrah earning the Player of the Match award for his exceptional bowling performance of 3 for 14.

Despite an early batting collapse that saw the quick dismissals of Kohli, Rohit, and Axar, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive innings of 42 off 31 balls helped India reach a total of 119.

Rohit praised Pant’s crucial contribution, saying, “On that pitch, his 42 was like scoring 70. We knew 140 was par, but with our bowlers, even 119 could work.”

He also lauded the performances of Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, emphasizing their roles in the victory. “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.”

Sharma's reflections encapsulate the emotional journey of the team, from the electrifying atmosphere of the India-Pakistan match to the nail-biting final in Barbados, offering a tribute to a team that etched their names in history.