I want to leave a mark on the next generation – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is all set to be a part of another T20 World Cup and this is going to be his second appearance in the tournament as India captain. He is the second highest run-scorer for India in the antiquity of the tournament and will be hopeful of dishing out another masterclass up front which can propel India to fiery starts.

This is his ninth appearance in the T20 World Cup and the seasoned Indian captain will be hopeful of finally exterminating the trophy drought in ICC events for the Men in Blue that has extended for more than a decade.

Being a part of all the tournaments, Rohit also highlighted the evolution of the fray, stating, “Honestly speaking, when it started, we had no clue about how it's going to make a mark on world cricket. Now that we sit back after playing the  first inaugural World Cup, which was in 2007, and we are in 2024 now. 17 years have passed by.”

He further added, “Every year you see the style of play, how players have evolved playing this format. It is quite exciting and I never thought it would reach this level because when it started, obviously it was a very unknown factor to the world as to what this format will bring to the world. I must say that it has actually reached a level where nobody believed. But that's also a lot to do with how the players have, each country and the players have evolved with the game and taken it to the next level.”

Talking about the legacy that he wants to leave behind, Rohit said, “Look, it's always been the dream to win World Cups. Winning the World Cup is the most prestigious thing that you can ever do. And for me, nothing changes from all the World Cups that I have played. I always wanted to win and I will still keep driving towards that.”

He further said, “As a player of the national team, our responsibility is to encourage the next generation to take up the sport and play the sport. So I think that is something that I want to leave behind, leave a mark on the next generation who are going to follow us, the way we play, the way we carry ourselves on the field.”

Rohit concluded by saying, “Those are the things that I'll be really proud of if I can leave something behind on those lines. I think it's mentally, to keep myself calm and enjoy the sport, enjoy each and every bit of it. I think it's important that you try and be in the moment, enjoy that present moment, and leave the rest up to the Almighty. Because I think it's important that you keep doing what you're supposed to do and be sincere in your work ethics, be true to the sport. And I think if I can do all of that, that's perfect.”