Rohit Sharma Narrates How Heartbreak Fueled Triumph: 'Was Just About Crossing That Line'

Former India captain Rohit Sharma revealed how the heartbreaks in the 2022 T20 World Cup and 2023 ICC World Cup caused them to change their mindset that led to the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy triumphs.

“We came so close to winning the finals and the semi-finals of 2015 World Cup, 2019 World Cup, the World Test championship final in 2021 and then the 2022 (T20) World Cup, we lost the semi-finals. Again, 2023 World Cup, we lost the final. So we came pretty close,” Rohit said at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai.

“So it was just about crossing that line. And it all started with, you know, people getting hungrier than what it was. And again, like I said, you know, we just came all of us just came together and started doing

things slightly differently. You know, that was good to see from everyone. And then when you see the results, where there is a bit of change in the mindset, you feel good about yourself. And that is what the team felt. We started feeling good about ourselves. A lot of the players changed their game a little bit, did slightly uncomfortable things to make sure that the team looks good,” he added.

Rohit said luck too played a part as he went on to credit the back-room staff too for the wins.

“And those are the things which was needed for this team moving forward. And you know, it was good to see that from everyone. And we got lucky as well. You know, looking at that final in Barbados, where we won, that final from an unbelievable situation, was truly a great effort from all level of us. And not to forget, there were guys outside who didn’t play a single game, but their contribution to the team success was, as you know, the 11, and the management to manage that team is never easy. Managing an Indian team is never easy. But I want to give credit,” he said.

“Obviously, said it many a time. Got to give credit to everyone who are part of that team and who travelled to the West Indies and us, you know, on a mission to win the World Cup,” Rohit added.