India captain Rohit Sharma has hailed the trio of former head coach Rahul Dravid, chief of selection panel Ajit Agarkar and BCCI secretary Jay Shah as the three pillars behind the success of the team’s recent T20 World triumph in addition to their impressive shows in the other two formats.
Speaking after being named the Men’s International Cricketer of the Year during an event in Mumbai, Rohit said, “It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats, the results, to make sure that we create that environment where people can go out there and play freely without thinking too much.”
“That is what was required. I got a lot of help from my three pillars, who are actually Mr Jay Shah, Mr Rahul Dravid (and the) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. That was very critical for me to do what I did and not to forget the players, who came in at different points in time and helped the team to achieve what we achieved,” he added.
Under the captaincy of Rohit, the Indian team came close to winning the 2023 ODI World Cup but fell short after being defeated by Australia in the title clash.
They had also come close in the World Test Championship final as well but were also beaten by their rivals Australia.
However, at the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, Rohit was able to muster up everything from his team as they got over the line to end their 11-year wait for an ICC title.
“(It was) a feeling that cannot come everyday. It was something that we were really hoping for. When we won the World Cup, it was important for all of us to enjoy the moment which we did pretty well and thanks to our nation as well for celebrating with us,” he said.
“As much as it meant for us, it meant a whole lot to the entire nation as well. It felt really great to bring it (trophy) back home here and celebrate with everyone here. (It is a) fantastic feeling that can never be put out in words. I don’t think it’s a feeling that can be expressed. It won’t do justice to our effect when all that happened,” he added.
Rohit, who has since retired from T20Is, remains hungry to win even more and now will focus on bringing in success in the ODI and Test formats as well.
“We’ve got a couple of solid tours coming up, very challenging ones as well. For us, it never stops. Once you achieve something you always look forward to achieving more. That is what I will be doing. I’m pretty sure my teammates will be thinking on the same line. What I’ve seen in the last two years in Indian cricket, there’s some real excitement, some real good cricket is being played,” he said.
India will now prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand. The headline event of the year is their tour of Australia where they will look to defend the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
(with PTI Inputs)
Comments
0 comment