'Expectations never end': Rohit Sharma's blunt take on fans demanding more World Cup wins

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma said that he understood the weight of expectations better than most. Having already experienced the immense joy and honor of lifting a World Cup, the Indian captain said that he knows that every victory only leads to a higher set of goals.

The senior Indian opener further mentioned that the moment one milestone was achieved, yet it only sets the stage for the next challenge. Well, for the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain, it is not just about winning a tournament, but it is also about evolving as an athlete and as an individual.

He felt much like in life, growth is constant in the sports world as well. Every success brings new expectations with it, an inevitable pressure to repeat the triumph, and that is the reality of an athlete’s journey. And Rohit Sharma noted that the desire to constantly evolve and to be better than yesterday is pushing him to strive for even greater heights.

The Indian captain, who is currently leading the hosts in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, is well aware that the quest for excellence never truly ends, but he really loves to embrace the expectations, rise to the challenge, and keep pushing the limits.

Rohit Sharma said on the YouTube channel FITTR: “Look, I mean, in life, there's always expectations. When you go and win the World Cup, there is another expectation that we have to win another World Cup. So those expectations will never end. If you win this World Cup, you'll be told to win the next World Cup. Like that. And it is absolutely fair because in life you want to grow. You want to grow as a person; you want to grow as a sportsman.”

Rohit Sharma says that:- “People's expectations never ends. If you win a World Cup, then people want to see you win another one (2027). And I mean, it's completely fair; people want to see us successful." pic.twitter.com/OgXwxrOVzK

— ` (@cutxpull45) September 28, 2024

Rohit Sharma reveals why he retired from T20I cricket

Meanwhile, the ‘Hitman’ also opened up about his decision to retire from T20I cricket after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The iconic cricketer, who lifted the T20 World Cup twice during his career, ended his time in the shortest format with an impressive 4231 runs across 159 matches.

Rohit Sharma’s journey was marked by five centuries and a staggering 205 sixes, showcasing his power and consistency over a remarkable 17-year span. As the most capped player in T20I history and holding records for the most runs, sixes, and centuries, Rohit reflected on his decision to retire.

The right-handed opener felt it was the right time to move on after winning the cup, acknowledging that India has a wealth of emerging talent ready to take the reins. He also dismissed the aging rumors, saying the age can’t be an issue for him, as it’s all about mindset for him.

I have a lot of self-belief because I know I can control my mind: Rohit Sharma

Rohit said in the same interview: “The only reason I retired from T20Is was because I've had my time. I enjoyed playing the format. I played for 17 years, and I did well. When you win the World Cup... it was the best time for you to move on. It was time to move on and look after other things. There are a lot of good players who can do well for India.”