The ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and former Indian cricket star, Yuvraj Singh, has thrown his support behind skipper Rohit Sharma to bring an end to India's ICC trophy drought, which has persisted since the 2011 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The upcoming T20I showdown in the USA and the West Indies, starting from June 1, presents a prime opportunity for India to make their mark on the international stage.
Despite facing setbacks in major ICC tournaments, including heartbreaking losses in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2022 and the finals of both the World Test Championship and the World Cup in 2023, all eyes are now on the 2024 T20 World Cup for India to display their potential.
Having spent time alongside Rohit and witnessed his exceptional performances, Yuvraj possesses a firsthand appreciation of the dedication, skill, and resilience that have propelled the formidable batsman to the summit of Indian cricket.
"(Rohit’s presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he’s the one to take them. He was the captain when we lost in the (World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India," Yuvraj emphasized to the ICC.
Yuvraj was part of the team when Rohit made his India debut against Ireland in 2007, stepping onto the international cricket scene following Yuvraj's dismissal. Fondly recalling his initial impression of Rohit, who entered the Indian squad at the tender age of 17, Yuvraj showered praise on the captain for his leadership, camaraderie, and humility both on and off the field.
"Very poor English,” Yuvraj humorously remarked. "Very funny guy. From the streets of Borivali (in Mumbai), we always tease him. But a great guy at heart. The more success he’s had, he has never changed as a person. That’s the beauty of Rohit Sharma.
"Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys, A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket. I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal. He really deserves it," Yuvraj added.
India finds themselves in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA.
Rohit's squad will kickstart their campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
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