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Published 14:28 IST, July 2nd 2024

'Feels like a dream, Like it hasn't happened': Rohit Sharma on SURREAL Feeling of winning T20 WC

Rohit Sharma describes the surreal sensation of winning the T20 World Cup, expressing that it feels like a dream and as if it hasn't truly happened yet.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli | Image: X/@BCCI

India displayed a resilient performance to clinch victory over South Africa in the thrilling final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Setting a target of 177, India's skipper Rohit Sharma’s early departure seemed to boost South Africa's morale. However, a determined Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with a stellar 76 off 59 balls. In response, South Africa fell short by 7 runs despite a valiant innings by Heinrich Klaasen. Player of the Match, Kohli's exceptional batting combined with Bumrah's impactful bowling sealed India's triumph, ending a long wait for the prestigious title. 

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Rohit Sharma speaks on the time of his life after India won the ICC T20 World Cup

Carrying the T20 World Cup trophy like a precious possession, Rohit Sharma showcased a serene smile on his face as he made his way to the beach for the post-tournament photoshoot. The surreal realization of being a world champion was still sinking in after breaking a jinx that persisted for over a decade.

"It's surreal. It feels like a dream. It feels like it hasn't happened. Although it has happened but it feels like it hasn't happened," Rohit laughed trying to process his thoughts after 24 hours while talking to BCCI.TV.

The coastal city of Bridgetown is battling a hurricane. The same could also be said about the Indian captain, only that his is a battle to control a gamut of emotions threatening to overwhelm him like a huge sea wave every now and then.

"Last night we had a good time, we had a blast with the teammates till the early morning," he couldn't stop grinning before becoming a touch emotional. I would say I didn't sleep properly but that's absolutely fine by me. There is a lot of time for me to go back and sleep.

"I want to live this moment, each minute, each second that is passing by and will try to make the most of it," he said describing how it felt to lead an Indian team to its first ICC title in 11 years.

"It's been a great moment right from the time the game got over to till now. That's the emotions and feelings you have," said the skipper.

His marauding run at the top, especially in the kncokouts, fetched Rohit a place in the team of the tournament but all he can think about for now is a sense of joyous relief.

"We have dreamt about this for such a long period of time, we worked hard as a unit for such a long period of time and to see this (the trophy) with us, it feels quite relieved as well.

"When you have worked hard for something and eventually at the end you get it, feels really, really nice," the skipper reiterated.

People were amazed and amused to see Rohit walk to the 22-yard strip at Kensington Oval and put a tiny speck of soil in his mouth, just like Novak Djokovic does after winning the Wimbledon.

The 37-year-old said it was a spur of the moment act.

"Nothing was scripted. It was all coming instinctively. I was feeling the moment," Rohit said about his ode to the turf that gave him the best moment of his life.

"When I went to the pitch, that pitch gave us this trophy. I will remember that ground forever in my life and that pitch as well. I wanted to have a piece of it with me.

"Those moments are very special, the place where all our dreams came true and I wanted something of it," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)

Updated 14:28 IST, July 2nd 2024

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