Rohit Sharma issues stern warning after T20 World Cup triumph, credits 'three pillars' for success
Mumbai: Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, fresh off leading the team to victory in the T20 World Cup in June, has sent a strong message to the cricketing world, asserting his unyielding determination to secure more titles. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Wednesday, where he was named the Men’s International Cricketer of the Year, Rohit credited three key figures—former head coach Rahul Dravid, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar—for India’s recent triumph.
Rohit, who became the first Indian captain since MS Dhoni to win a T20 World Cup, emphasised the importance of these "three pillars" in the team's successful comeback after a disappointing loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. "It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about the stats or the results, but to create an environment where players could perform freely," Rohit said. He highlighted the crucial support he received from Dravid, Shah, and Agarkar in achieving this vision.
As India shifts focus to the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025, Rohit expressed his relentless drive to add more trophies to his collection. "There is a reason I won five IPL trophies. I'm not going to stop because once you get the taste of winning, you don't want to stop," Rohit stated, highlighting his commitment to continuing India's winning streak.
India’s preparation for the Champions Trophy hit a rough patch with a 0-2 series loss to Sri Lanka earlier this year, marking Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as the new head coach. The team will have one final ODI series against England in February 2025 before the ICC tournament.
In Tests, India faces a packed schedule, starting with five matches at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. If India maintains their dominance, particularly at home, they are likely to secure a spot in the WTC final, regardless of their performance in Australia.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
