Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has stated that every player who represented the country in the last three ICC tournaments deserves respect for their commitment and resilience in achieving success despite various challenges. As per agency report, Sharma reflected on the team’s journey over the past nine months, describing it as a period filled with ups and downs that ultimately showcased the character of the squad.
India participated in three major ICC events during this period, losing just one of 24 matches — the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad, where Australia claimed victory. In contrast, India emerged victorious in last year’s T20 World Cup and this year’s ICC Champions Trophy. However, in the longer format, India suffered series defeats against New Zealand and Australia.
Speaking on a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their official ‘X’ page, Sharma highlighted the team's near-perfect record, suggesting that had India also won the ODI World Cup final, it would have been an unprecedented run of dominance across global tournaments. He emphasized that such success didn’t come easily and that the team had to navigate through many tough phases.
Sharma credited every member who played in these tournaments, acknowledging their efforts and stating that they are all worthy of recognition. He added that the journey was not just about victory but also about personal and collective growth during challenging times.
The comments come at a time when top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were expected to meet to plan for the future, although the meeting has since been postponed.
Sharma also addressed those players who might be struggling or feeling disheartened, urging them to stay determined and focused on rising again. He recounted how India lost home series and performed below expectations in Australia, only to bounce back and win the Champions Trophy — illustrating the unpredictable nature of cricket and life.
Tracing the shift in mindset to 2022, Sharma said the transformation began after India's T20 World Cup semifinal loss in Australia. He said players were then given clarity about expectations and the freedom to play with confidence. While some series were lost, the team stayed committed to the process without panic.
Reflecting on Mumbai Indians’ poor performance in the previous IPL season, Sharma admitted it was a tough phase but stressed the importance of patience and the determination to bounce back. He revealed that he had been focused on concluding his T20 career, which he did on a high note by winning the T20 World Cup.
He concluded by saying that the triumph would not have been possible without the collective effort of the team. The entire squad contributed to the success, staying united throughout the tournament.
