It is not what we did today, it is what we have been doing for the last 3-4 years – Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma was overtly emotional after India triumphed over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, bringing up the country’s second win in the tournament history. Despite missing out to put up a grand show with the bat in the final, Rohit’s overall run in the tournament was absolutely magnificent. He started the tournament on a high, blasting a fifty against Ireland.

He followed that up with a couple of imperative knocks against Australia and England to help India pave their path for the grand finale. Talking at the post-match presentation, Rohit highlighted the contribution of every single player while expressing his gratitude for this incredible triumph.

Shedding some light on India’s journey in the last few years, Rohit Sharma said, “Very hard to sum up what we have been through for the last 3-4 years. To be honest, we worked very hard as individuals and as a team, a lot has gone on behind the scenes for us to be here today and win this game. It is not what we did today, it is what we have been doing for the last 3-4 years. That's the result that has come for us today. We have played lots of high pressure games in the past as well and have been on the wrong side as well.”

He further added, “But the guys understand what needs to be done. Today was the perfect example of when the back is against the wall, what is required. We stuck together as a team and the guys, all of us, even when at one point it was looking South Africa's way. Overall, as a team, as a group on the field, we wanted this really bad. We wanted to win this. To win a tournament like this, a lot goes behind the scenes, a lot of effort, a lot of minds need to come together. I am very proud of this bunch of boys I have and the management as well for giving us that liberty to go and play, to execute, for having that trust in each one of us. That has to start from the management, coach, captain and then the players go out there and do it. Throughout the tournament, I think we were fantastic.”

Talking about Virat Kohli, Rohit said, “Not me and nobody was in doubt with Virat's form. We know the quality he has, he's been on top of his game for 15 years, come the occasion the big players will stand up. Virat was holding that one end which was very crucial for us and the others played around him. For us to get to that total, it was a team effort. We wanted someone to bat as long as possible. These are not wickets where you can come and bat freely and keep the scoreboard ticking straightaway, so we do understand that. We wanted somebody to bat as long as possible and Virat did that perfectly. That's where the experience of Virat comes through.”

He also opened up about Jasprit Bumrah, pointing out, “I can understand you guys trying to put it into words but I've been someone who has seen him for so many years, even playing alongside him, but even I don't know what exactly is with him. I know exactly what he brings to the table but how he does that, it is just a masterclass. He backs his skills which is more than enough and he is a very confident lad. Whatever he wants to do, he executes to perfection which is a very rare sight. Jasprit Bumrah, to put it in one word, he's a class act.”

He concluded by heaping praises on Hardik Pandya and the Indian fans, adding, “Hardik was brilliant as well, bowling that last over, no matter how many runs is required, to bowl that last over, I am very proud of the boys. Absolutely fantastic, all the way from New York to Barbados, I just want to salute them, to come and support us the way they have and even back home in India, millions are sitting and watching, it's late night in India, I'm pretty sure they are up watching this. They have been waiting a long time, just like us. This is for them. Very very proud of what we have achieved today.”