Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 30 in T20 World Cup 2007 Final was the most important knock of the tournament: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh, India’s former all-rounder termed Rohit Sharma’s innings in World T20 2007 final as the most important knock of the tournament. He also mentioned how winning the World T20 was a team effort. It was an inaugural tournament of a format that was not friendly to the Indian team. Notably, India won the World T20 under MS Dhoni even though they had an experience of only one T20I before that.

The Indian all-rounder performed exceptionally well in that tournament. His 70-run knock against Australia in semi-finals and 6 sixes in one over of Stuart Broad are still remembered. He was also announced as Dhoni’s deputy and his performance also justified the same. India won the final by beating Pakistan in the thrilling last over.

“We were a fearless bunch. We didn’t know how to plan but we just wanted to go and express ourselves. I remember we had some really outstanding talent in that tournament,” The left-hander told Sportskeeda.

Yuvraj mentioned how youngsters like Sreesanth, RP Singh, Uthappa, Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma played with fearlessness. As seniors like Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid didn’t give their names for the showpiece event, Dhoni was sent with a very inexperienced side. The former all-rounder praised Rohit’s knock against South Africa and against Pakistan in finals.

“It was just that the natural talent had been put on to the World stage. Guys like Robin Uthappa, who would have played a bit before that. Rohit’s first tournament, he had just come in the side, hadn’t played much cricket. RP Singh, Sreesanth – these young guys bowled some really outstanding spells. A lot of young talent really expressed their talent and did well in current situations. And I think that was the reason for us to get to the finals.” he added.

Rohit’s knock took us to 157 in the final: Yuvraj Singh

Punjab lad suffered an injury in his tennis elbow during the tournament and had to sit out of the game against South Africa. It was a must-win the game for India and Rohit Sharma was making his debut by replacing the left-hander. His heroic fifty made sure that India get to a decent total and eventually win the match.

“Gautam had an outstanding final with Irfan Pathan. So I think it was a collective effort. But everyone talks about myself or Gautam but nobody remembers that Rohit scored 30* off 16 balls in the final, which actually got us to 157. That was the most important knock of the tournament. Irfan took 3 wickets and was the Man of the Match but I think Rohit’s inning was very special in the finals” he concluded.

Notably, India was under immense pressure when the score was 130/5 after 18 overs. But Rohit’s knock of 30 runs off just 16 deliveries made sure that India reached 157/5. That was the only World T20 India has won so far. T20 WC was supposed to be played this year in Australia, but it is postponed due to COVID-19.