These performances may not command the same headlines as the shirt-waving celebrations at Lord’s in 2002 or Kapil Dev’s catch at Lord’s in 1983, but without
them, the path to India’s twin T20WC crowns would have been unthinkable
The year was 2007. Indian cricket faced a crucial moment—coming off a tough 50-over World Cup, carrying high expectations, and stepping into a new, less familiar format that many still viewed as secondary. Yet, under the scorching Johannesburg sun, a young team with fearless determination made history.
Come August, as the nation celebrates its sporting milestones since independence, that victory—India's first T20 World Cup—stands out as one of the country's most inspiring athletic successes.
While legends like Dhoni, Yuvraj, and Gambhir are often in the spotlight, the achievement was also built on the incredible efforts of three quieter heroes: Irfan Pathan, Rohit Sharma, and Joginder Sharma.
Irfan Pathan – the game-breaker in the final
When India faced PAK in the final, nerves hung thick in the air. PAK's chase had momentum, and the crowd sensed a shift in fortunes. Enter Irfan Pathan, who delivered a spell worthy of championship folklore. Bowling four overs for just 16 runs, he dismantled PAK's middle order, claiming three wickets—Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, and Yasir Arafat.
Credit: ANI News
It was not merely his figures, but the timing of his breakthroughs, that stifled PAK’s chase. Pathan's economy of 4.00 on a batting-friendly pitch remains one of the most decisive bowling efforts in T20 World Cup history.
Rohit Sharma – the fearless finisher
Long before he became the ‘Hitman’ of world cricket, Rohit Sharma was a 20-year-old newcomer with a calm head and a rare gift for timing. In the must-win group match against South Africa, India was in trouble at 33 for 3 on a sluggish Durban pitch. Rohit’s unbeaten 50 off 40 balls rescued the innings and pushed India to a defendable 153.
Credit: News18
His knock, laced with seven boundaries and two sixes, neutralised South Africa’s home advantage and effectively secured India’s place in the semi-finals. Even in the final, his quick-fire 30* off 16 balls gave India the late surge that proved vital in a five-run victory.
Joginder Sharma – the nerve of steel
Every World Cup victory has its moment of intense suspense, and in 2007 it arrived as Pakistan required 13 runs from the final over. Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder Sharma—a medium-pacer from Haryana with fewer than 10 international caps. His first delivery was a wide, the second was smashed for six.
Credit: RCB
However, Joginder refocused, delivering the decisive ball when Misbah-ul-Haq attempted the scoop shot that was caught by Sreesanth at short fine-leg. That single wicket secured India’s first T20 title, elevating Joginder to an enduring footnote in cricket folklore.
Credit: @SPORTYVISHAL
A tale completed in 2024
Seventeen years later, in 2024, India proudly lifted the T20 World Cup once again, triumphing over South Africa in a nerve-wracking final. Rohit Sharma, now leading as captain, inspired everyone with his performance throughout the tournament before announcing his retirement from T20 internationals, capping his career in the shortest format with another World Cup victory.
His journey from a talented young player in 2007 to a record-breaking captain in 2024 beautifully highlights the incredible journey of Indian cricket's T20 success.
