Indian cricket has enjoyed a golden run over the past two years, and Rohit Sharma says the credit goes to the team’s unity and the strong foundation laid by Rahul Dravid during his time as head coach.
Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating awards, Rohit opened up about India’s victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, and how the team’s success was built over many years – not just overnight.
“It wasn’t a one- or two-year project. We had been building towards it for a long time,” Rohit said. “I loved that team, loved being a part of the journey with them.”
The Dravid Impact and Team’s Mindset
Rohit made it clear that India’s recent triumphs were based on the processes and mentality established under the leadership of him and Rahul Dravid.
“We came close so many times before, but just couldn’t get over the line. That’s when we realised something had to change and not just talk about it, but actually do it,” Rohit explained.
He emphasized that it wasn’t about one or two players – the whole team had to buy into the mindset of being relentless, focused, and not taking anything for granted.
“All the players understood what we were trying to do – how to win, challenge ourselves, and stay grounded. That made a big difference,” he said.
Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup Wins
Even though Gautam Gambhir was officially the coach during the Champions Trophy win, Rohit pointed out that the team followed the same thought process and philosophy built over previous seasons under Dravid’s guidance.
“Winning that first game gave us confidence, but we immediately moved on to the next challenge. That kind of discipline and focus helped us win both tournaments,” Rohit said.
He also reflected on the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss, which happened on home soil. While India couldn’t win that tournament, Rohit believes the lessons from that heartbreak played a huge role in shaping the team’s comeback in the following ICC events.
On Playing All Formats and the Australia Tour
Rohit also spoke about his personal pride in competing across all three formats of the game, something he believes rubbed off on the rest of the squad.
“I’ve always taken pride in doing well in Tests, ODIs, and T20s. A few others did too, and it helped build a strong culture,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rohit is part of the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series in Australia, starting October 19. Although he is no longer the captain – with Shubman Gill now leading the team – Rohit is still fired up for the tour.
“I love playing in Australia. It’s always a challenge. But I know what to expect there, and I hope we can go and bring the result home,” Rohit said.
Rohit’s Role Remains Key
Even without the captain’s armband, Rohit Sharma remains a vital pillar in the Indian setup. With years of experience, a champion mindset, and leadership qualities, his presence continues to inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers.
As India prepares for the tour of Australia, fans can be sure that Rohit is still fully committed, hungry for more wins, and ready to take on whatever challenge comes next.
Also Read: Will Rohit Sharma be dropped from BCCI’s 2025-26 Central Contract? The big question Explained
