Rohit Sharma On His Rollercoaster Captaincy Journey: Embracing The Ups And Downs

March 29, 2025: Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma opened up about his eventful journey as a leader, discussing the highs and lows of his career, including the triumphs of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy wins, as well as the struggles in Test cricket. Speaking in a video titled ‘Charcha with Rohit Sharma’, shared by Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans, Rohit shared valuable insights into handling tough times and maintaining resilience.

Rohit began by addressing the challenges MI faced in IPL 2024, where they finished at the bottom under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. He emphasized the importance of “grit and determination” when bouncing back from adversity, a mindset that carried him through both personal and team struggles.

“It was a low for the team (IPL 2024), and I thought we also did not play our best cricket. And there were so many things to look forward to after IPL. I know there was a World Cup (T20) coming up, and then I had to shift my focus to the World Cup. Knowing that this was going to be my last T20 World Cup, I really wanted to make it count,” Rohit reflected.

He acknowledged the crucial role of teamwork in their success, emphasizing the collective effort from everyone that contributed to their T20 World Cup victory. “Without the help of other players, it is not going to be possible,” he said.

Rohit also recalled the challenges that followed, including a loss in a home series and a poor performance in Australia. However, he remained optimistic, finding strength in the process and the team’s collective spirit, leading them to the ICC Champions Trophy triumph. “These nine months were a perfect example of how life is. It is always going to be up and down,” he said, reflecting on how his 17-18 years in cricket have been filled with both challenges and learning experiences.

The skipper shared an important life lesson, reminding that in difficult times, it is essential to find ways to “smile and be happy” and maintain inner peace. “That is why whenever we talk in the MI group, as players, as a team, we always talk about that. Let us try and find a way to move on. Whether we win or whether we lose. And to move on from a loss, from a low, is not that easy,” Rohit said.

He further added, “Life doesn’t end here. After a low, the sunrise will happen again the next day. You will have to wake up tomorrow again and find a way to fight that day. So all these things are there. So that is why if you can somehow forget that moment and move forward with a smile, then nothing like it.”

Rohit’s message resonated not only with his teammates but with his fans as well, as he encouraged everyone to find strength in challenging moments and keep pushing forward with optimism and resilience.