Rohit Sharma is the only person who deserves to win this World Cup: Mohammad Hafeez

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 reaches its business end, former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez has made a bold statement, declaring Indian skipper Rohit Sharma as the player most deserving of lifting the coveted trophy. This statement comes after Sharma's brilliant performance against Australia, which helped India secure a semi-final berth.

The Men in Blue are desperate to end their prolonged trophy drought as they prepare to face England in the semi-finals in Guyana. Sharma & Co. delighted by their recent victory over Australia, are considered among the favorites to clinch the title. However, the English team presents a formidable challenge to India's ambitions.

Sharma's knock against the Aussies in a crucial Super Eight clash became the talk of the tournament. His quickfire 92 off just 41 balls, laced with seven fours and eight sixes, set the tone for India's 24-run victory over the Mitchell Marsh-led side. Hafeez, in his praise for Sharma, emphasized the Indian captain's selfless approach to the game.

“It was a Rohit show. We witnessed one of the best innings from a captain. If you are talking about leading from the front. No one doubted Rohit's qualities, he just changed one thing. One thing he changed within himself, was a ‘selfless approach’. The way he evolved himself with the game was commendable and he is one of the greats of the game. By just changing to a selfless approach,” Hafeez said on ButtSports TV.

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He wants to be a champion player, who will always be remembered: Mohammad Hafeez

The former Pakistan skipper noted that Sharma's current batting style is the result of careful planning implemented over the past year. This strategy was evident in the 2023 ODI World Cup as well, where Sharma consistently performed as a standout player for India. Hafeez was particularly impressed by Sharma's ignorance of personal milestones, focusing instead on team results.

"The most impressive part of his innings was that he was not thinking about any of his milestones, and was hitting the ball accordingly. And at the post-match he said, '50s and 100s doesn't matter to me now'. Because he knows what he wants to be, he doesn't want to be having a hundred centuries. He wants to be a champion player, who will always be remembered. Winning ICC trophies," he added.

Also read: Rohit Sharma special knock puts India into semis

At 37, this T20 World Cup could potentially be Sharma's last appearance as captain in an ICC tournament. The pressure is on for him to end his tenure on a winning note, adding an ICC trophy to India's cabinet after a long wait.

"Special effort from Rohit and whoever you give credit to it will look lesser than Rohit's performance. Rohit is the only person at the moment who deserves to win this World Cup for India,” Hafeez concluded.