Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s Journey from 2023 World Cup Heartbreak to ICC Glory
Former India ODI captain Rohit Sharma opened up about the team’s remarkable transformation from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final to consecutive...
Former India ODI captain Rohit Sharma opened up about the team’s remarkable transformation from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final to consecutive ICC triumphs — the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy — during the CEAT Cricket Rating awards in Mumbai on Tuesday.
A Team Effort, Not a One-Man Show
Rohit, who stepped down as India’s ODI and Test captain this year, credited collective belief, meticulous planning, and former head coach Rahul Dravid for India’s resurgence.
“It’s not about one year or two years of work. It was about getting into work for many years. We’d come close to winning multiple times but couldn’t cross the line. That is where we decided to do something different,” Rohit said.
He emphasized that success required the entire team buying into a shared mindset, not relying on individual brilliance.
“There’s always a thought of doing something, and then actually going and doing it. It cannot be done by one or two players. Everyone needed to commit to the process,” he added.
Process, Consistency, and Unity
While accepting a memento for India’s Champions Trophy win, Rohit highlighted the importance of the team’s thought process, preparation, and focus.
“All the guys who took part in that competition embraced the mindset of winning games, challenging ourselves, and not taking anything for granted. These were the qualities we tried to embed, and it worked,” he said.
Rohit praised the side’s consistency and unity, noting that focusing game by game became India’s biggest strength.
“Once we won the first game, we set it aside and concentrated on the next one. That approach helped Rahul bhai and me when planning for the T20 World Cup, and then on to the Champions Trophy,” he explained.
Transition and Continuity
Even after Gautam Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as coach before the Champions Trophy, Rohit insisted the foundational mindset and team culture remained intact.
“In 2023, although we didn’t cross the line in the finals, we set out to do something as a team and everyone committed to that,” Rohit said.
Though Rohit has passed the ODI and Test captaincy to Shubman Gill, he continues to play a pivotal role in the team and will travel alongside Virat Kohli for upcoming series, offering experience and guidance to the younger generation.