If you had to identify one factor that led to our emergence as champions, it would be the collective effort and the determination to win. Also, gifting this victory to Rahul Dravid is incredibly special. If anyone deserves the trophy, it is him for what he has done for Indian cricket over the past 20 years. This was the only thing left in his cabinet, and I am very happy that we could achieve this for him. You saw how proud and excited he was, and he is genuinely grateful for this occasion.
In a game like this, there are many twists and turns. I can’t single out one or two aspects of the game. But looking at where the game was when there were four or five overs left, Hardik taking that wicket was crucial from our point of view. Miller’s wicket at the back end and the last over catch by Surya off Hardik’s bowling were superb. We also can’t forget what the batters did. Virat’s runs, Axar’s role, and then Venkatesh finishing off the innings were significant. Our bowlers, especially Bumrah and Arshdeep, were superb. Bumrah creates magic every time he has the ball. I am very lucky to have players like this in my squad, players who are playing for me and Team India. I am very grateful and thankful.
Rohit, congratulations! You have had so many moments of glory in your career. Given your victories in 2007 and 2008, the CB series, the 2013 Australia Test series, and of course the 2011 World Cup (even though you couldn’t be a part of it) and now this win in Ahmedabad, do you consider this the greatest moment of your career?
This has to be one of the greatest moments, if not the greatest. It’s because of the sheer desperation to achieve it. I always look forward to such opportunities. Having this now, right beside me, is incredible. There were crucial moments in the game. We were very much in the game halfway through, but then Klassen and Miller took it on. De Kock played a part as well. We knew what they were capable of with the bat. The message was clear: no matter what happens in cricket, you have to believe. My job as a captain is to make everyone believe that. Whether we are ahead or behind in the game, we keep fighting. Moments like this will never come again. This is the final, so you have to give everything you have in your body, mind, and soul.
Rohit, since coming to the West Indies, India has batted first in all previous games leading into the final. Was this a premeditated strategy, or did the conditions merit it? Did scoreboard pressure matter in the final?
I believe in having runs on the board in big games. I had a decision to make, and I made it clear that no matter the pitch, we have to try and put runs on the board and then defend it. We have the talent in our bowling. I’ve seen what the guys have done with the ball, so I had that confidence. Whatever the score, we can try and defend it. The pitch played well throughout the 40 overs. It didn’t grip as much as we thought it would after the first half. The sun was beating down, and the pitch looked a lot drier. But yes, we were clear with the decision to bat first and try to defend it later.
Rohit, first of all, congratulations. I wanted to ask you about Virat Kohli announcing his retirement today. How do you look back at his journey? You’ve shared some of the most ups and downs with him. What are your thoughts?
He’s been a champion player without a doubt. We all know what he’s done for us. At some point, everyone has to say goodbye to the game. Virat was clear about what he wanted to do. Before the start of the tournament, he was clear. I’m very happy for him that he batted like he did in the finals. We know his quality in big games. He came out and performed when we needed him the most. Looking at his career, he’s been a champion player. We can see the stats and everything, but it was a nice way to sign off from this format.
Rohit, in the last few tournaments, we faced some struggles. Was it difficult to keep believing in the process? Is it important to stay good with good people like Rahul Dravid and the team?
Yes, it’s important. I believe everything happens for a reason. Rahul Dravid has done so much for Indian cricket. As a coach, he has worked tirelessly with this team for the past three years. He had to suppress his instincts at times to match the wavelength of the players. It’s not easy for anyone, but he did it for the team. He understood what the players needed and prioritized that. He consistently communicated with the players, even those not in the team, explaining their roles and what was expected of them. Rahul has been a significant support for the team and for me.
Rohit, about the last three overs of the game. What was the talk and strategy during those overs, especially motivating Hardik in the final over?
The strategy was simple: make them hit against the wind. The wind was blowing across the ground quite heavily. The plan was to make them hit to the other side. Bumrah’s 18th over was crucial. We wanted wickets and to build pressure with dot balls. We had fielders in the right places, trying to make it difficult for them to hit down the ground. Bumrah bowled beautifully, getting crucial wickets. Then Arshdeep followed up brilliantly, giving just three runs. The plan for Hardik was to not give any elevation to the batters and keep the pressure on.
Thank you, Rohit. Just about Surya’s catch, can you talk about the emotions and whether this catch was on par with Kapil Dev’s 1983 catch?
Every moment has its charm. I’m not a big fan of comparisons. I was standing at long-off, and I could see Surya. He’s very calm under pressure with brilliant hands. When he took that catch, I knew it was crucial. I started celebrating already, but still reminded myself that the game wasn’t over yet. I was thinking about the other five balls we had to bowl.
Rohit, about your own international future. Will you be around for a while longer?
No, this was my last game in this format. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. There’s no better time to say goodbye. I started my India career in this format, and this is how I wanted to end it. Winning the cup and saying thank you.
Just T20 internationals?
Yes, just T20 internationals. I will continue with ODIs and Tests.
What was going through your head at the end when you dropped to your knees after the final ball?
It was very emotional. I wanted this badly. It’s hard to put into words what I was thinking at that moment. It was a very emotional moment for me personally. I wish I could capture that moment myself, but I will always remember it. These are the moments you wait for. You don’t plan these things; they just happen because you are so desperate in life. I was very desperate to cross the line this time. Thank you.
