New Delhi: Unstinting support from former head coach Rahul Dravid, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and BCCI secretary Jay Shah paved the way for India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit Sharma has said.
India reached the final of the ODI World Cup last year and were beaten by Australia but they bounced back with a triumph in the T20 World Cup in June, getting the better of South Africa in the title clash.
It was Rohit’s first major trophy since becoming the captain and he credited the victory to Dravid, Agarkar and Shah for backing him to bring out the best in players rather than worry about results.
“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,” Rohit said at CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Wednesday night.
The right hand batter, who quit T20Is after leading India to the victory, was named the men’s international cricketer of the year.
“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,” he said.
“That was very critical for me to do what I did and obviously not to forget the players, who came in at different points in time and helped the team to achieve what we achieved.”
‘Feeling of winning T20 World Cup indescribable’
India’s T20 World Cup triumph was their first major ICC trophy in 11 years, ending a long wait after several heartbreaks and disappointments. Rohit said it made the victory sweeter.
“(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,” Rohit said.
The T20 World Cup win was Rohit Sharma’s first major trophy since becoming the captain and he credited the victory to Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar and Jay Shah for backing him to bring out the best in players rather than worry about results. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
