Former India T20I captain Rohit Sharma has hailed Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, and Jay Shah as the three key figures behind India's historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. At an award ceremony, Sharma expressed his deep gratitude towards the trio, crediting them for fostering a supportive environment that allowed the players to perform without the burden of external pressures.
India’s journey to the T20 World Cup title was marked by a thrilling final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29, where the Men in Blue secured a narrow 7-run victory. This win ended an 11-year drought for India in ICC tournaments, with their last major victory being the Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni's leadership.
Sharma spoke passionately about his vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of creating an atmosphere where players could express themselves freely. "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," he said. He acknowledged the crucial role played by Dravid, Agarkar, and Shah in realizing this dream. “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.”
Reflecting on the emotional high of winning the T20 World Cup, Sharma described it as an indescribable feeling, something that doesn’t happen every day. He shared how significant the victory was not just for the team but for the entire nation. "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," Sharma noted. He highlighted the collective joy of bringing the trophy back to India, a moment that resonated deeply with millions of fans across the country.
The win also marked a significant moment in the careers of Sharma and Virat Kohli, as both players announced their retirement from T20I cricket shortly after the final. Despite stepping down from the shortest format, Sharma and Kohli remain integral to India's ODI and Test teams, continuing to contribute their vast experience and leadership.
Sharma's tribute to Dravid, Agarkar, and Shah underscores the importance of strong leadership and a cohesive support system in achieving success on the global stage. Their collective efforts not only brought India its long-awaited ICC trophy but also set a new standard for team management and player empowerment. As the Indian cricket team looks ahead to future challenges, the legacy of this victory will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of cricketers.
