New Delhi

India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma has fondly recalled being part of the squad that lifted the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, saying the victory gave the young team belief that success would continue. Rohit, who was only 20 years old at the time, said the triumph shaped the mindset of several players starting their international careers.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Rohit said he was in his first year with the national side when India stunned stronger teams to win the title. He explained that lifting the trophy made the players feel they could keep winning at the highest level of the game.

Rohit played a key role in India’s campaign, scoring 88 runs in three matches. His unbeaten half-century against South Africa helped India stay alive in the tournament, while his quick 30 off 16 balls in the final against Pakistan proved vital in a tense finish.

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in a thrilling final held in Johannesburg. Both teams entered the final after topping their respective groups. India beat Australia by 15 runs in the semi-final, while Pakistan overcame New Zealand by six wickets to book their place.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised then captain MS Dhoni for his calm leadership, saying he handled pressure better than the opposing captain. Dhoni later became the only captain to win all three major ICC white-ball trophies, earning praise for his composure and match-winning decisions.

The former skipper’s legacy from that era remains influential, with the 2007 triumph still remembered as a turning point in India’s limited-overs history that inspired future generations of Indian cricketers.