Mumbai, May 24: Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma believes that Indian cricket is progressing in the right direction, both in terms of results and mindset. He expressed his desire for India to become the best in world cricket, stating that his captaincy has significantly shaped his career.
While speaking at the Mumbai Indians’ ‘ESA Day’ event, Rohit said, “I want India to be a powerhouse in world cricket. That is the main goal because I want India to be the best and cricket to be at the forefront. What we have achieved in the last three years has been remarkable. From the 2024 World Cup to the Women’s World Cup, Under-19 World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and another T20 World Cup, I hope we continue our winning streak.”
Rohit also highlighted the major changes in the game over the past few years, particularly in shorter formats, where batting approaches and scoring patterns have evolved significantly since his debut.
He noted, “When we started playing T20, a score of 130-140 was considered good, but now that seems challenging. Any score feels uncertain. This illustrates how the game has progressed over the years.” According to the former Mumbai Indians captain, today’s players’ fearlessness has elevated the game to new heights.
He added, “Players have become bolder and more open-minded about how things should be done, which is a positive sign for the game and the league. Players are not afraid to move forward instead of being conservative. This trend will continue in the coming years, reaching even greater heights.”
Discussing the next generation of cricketers, Rohit emphasized the importance of enjoying the game without placing heavy expectations on young players.
The ODI team’s opener remarked, “It depends on the age. I know there are kids from six to eighteen years old. You don’t want to put too much pressure on them too soon. They should just enjoy the game, watch it, and play with their friends. That’s how it all started for me. The circumstances will guide you on what’s necessary at that time. Enjoy the game you want to play. No one can force you to do anything.”
Reflecting on his journey, Rohit acknowledged that the challenges and difficulties he faced throughout his career were among his greatest learning experiences. He stated, “From my debut to now, there have been many moments where I learned what it takes to rise above. There is no easy journey in sports; you have to experience ups and downs, which teaches you a lot.”
At 39, Rohit also shared how captaincy has transformed his perspective. He mentioned that leadership has inspired him to think beyond his performance and prioritize the collective success of the team. He said, “I have learned a lot from captaining India and the Mumbai Indians. It’s essential to set aside personal goals to ensure the team’s objectives take precedence. When you are a captain, it’s a different story because you cannot only focus on your performance; you must also consider others. If you score 100 runs but others do not perform well and the team loses, that is concerning. You won’t find peace of mind until the results show.”
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