"He had come to meet us and said that he wanted to quit T20Is after this" - Rohit Sharma's mother shares conversation with son before T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma's mother Purnima has revealed that the Indian captain was going to retire from T20Is irrespective of the result of their T20 World Cup campaign. Rohit led the Men in Blue to their second T20 World Cup crown after beating the Proteas in the final in Barbados by seven runs.
The team returned to Indian shores on Thursday and met the Prime Minister at his official residence. After that, the Men in Blue flew to Mumbai for the open-top Bus parade at Marine drive where they were greeted by thousands of fans.
Rohit Sharma also then met his mother in the President's box at the Wankhede Stadium and the latter was emotional as she hugged and kissed her son after the victorious T20 World Cup campaign. Here's what she told The Indian Express:
“I have never thought I would see this day. Before going to the World Cup, he had come to meet us and said that he wanted to quit T20Is after this. I just said try to win. I was not feeling well and had a doctor’s appointment, but I still came as I wanted to see this day."
Rohit's mother was in awe of the reception the Indian captain got at the Wankhede Stadium and on the streets of Marine Drive and felt that it was the reward for his hard work.
Rohit Sharma announced his T20I retirement immediately after the T20 World Cup triumph
Addressing reporters after the T20 World Cup final, Rohit Sharma had announced his retirement from the T20I format as he felt it was the perfect way to bid adieu. Here's what he said:
"This was also my last game. There couldn't have been a better time to say goodbye. I desperately wanted this trophy. It's hard to put into words. This is what I wanted, and it happened. I was very determined to achieve this in my life. I'm happy that we crossed the line this time."
While speaking to the Wankhede crowd in the felicitation ceremony, Rohit Sharma also expressed his relief at having brought joy to millions after ending India's 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.