MS Dhoni Assured Not To take Pressure During The Clinical Final Over: 2007 T20 World Cup Hero Joginder Sharma
Published - 24 Sep 2022, 11:39 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:13 AM
On this day, 15 years ago India lifted the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup, beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the summit clash. This also marked India’s first world title in 24 years.
Chasing a target of 158, the Men in Green needed 13 off the last six balls. Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was looking to take the match and title away from India. Under the circumstances, MS Dhoni took a gamble and turned to Joginder Sharma to bowl the final over and he delivered by getting Misbah out.
MS Dhoni relieved every pressure off Joginder Sharma during the crucial moment
In a video posted by Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants on social media on Saturday, Joginder took the fans on an emotional journey and revealed the conversation he had with captain MS Dhoni while bowling the last over on that eventful night.
“The discussion before the final over wasn’t around what line and length I should be bowling or what should be my bowling strategy. Mahi told me not to take any kind of pressure. If we lose, it was on him.”
Joginder Sharma altered the length of the third ball to dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq
“Even when Misbah hit me for a six off the second ball, we weren’t tense. At no point, we discussed what we needed to do. Just before I delivered the third ball, I saw Misbah getting ready to play a scoop. So I altered the length and bowled a slower one. That’s why Misbah couldn’t hit it properly. Sreesanth pulled off the catch and the rest as they say is history,” Joginder, who is playing the Legends League currently, said.
Joginder said the memory is still fresh in his mind and will be forever treasured. One can hear more of it in the video that was posted on the team’s social media.