Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most successful captains in recent years, has opened up about how years of heartbreak shaped the team’s mindset and eventually paved the way for India’s triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Rohit reflected on the emotional rollercoaster the team went through before finally lifting the coveted trophies.
“We came so close to winning the finals and semi-finals of the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, the World Test Championship final in 2021, and then the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. Again, in 2023, we lost the World Cup final. We came pretty close every time,” Rohit Sharma admitted.
“It was just about crossing that line, and that’s when everything changed. The hunger grew stronger, and as a group, we decided to approach things differently.”
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Rohit revealed that the shift wasn’t just tactical but deeply mental. “It was good to see players step out of their comfort zones. Many changed their game slightly, took on uncomfortable roles, and put the team ahead of personal milestones. That’s when we began to feel good about ourselves — when the mindset started to shift,” he explained.
“I love that team” 🥹
From the heartbreak of 2023 to back-to-back trophies, #RohitSharma takes us through that journey! 💙#CEATCricketAwards2025 👉 10th & 11th OCT, 6 PM on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/KPYQAUkCbl
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 7, 2025
The veteran opener also emphasised that success didn’t come without a touch of fortune and credited the support staff for their behind-the-scenes contributions.
“We got lucky as well — like that 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados. Winning from such an unbelievable situation was truly special. Everyone, even those who didn’t play a single game, had a role to play. Managing the Indian team is never easy, and I give full credit to the players, support staff, and management for their unity and commitment,” he added.
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Rohit Sharma concluded by acknowledging the shared mission that drove the team’s success: “We all travelled to the West Indies with one goal — to win the World Cup. Everyone contributed to making that dream come true.”
