NEW DELHI: Poornima's emotions were palpable as her son, Rohit Sharma, returned home triumphant after leading Team India to T20 World Cup glory. Poornima had waited anxiously all day for a glimpse of Rohit, who touched down in Delhi, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then expressed his gratitude to fans during a Victory Parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
When Rohit finally entered home, his mother was overcome with emotion. Rushing to the door, she hugged her son tightly and showered him with kisses. Her tears spoke volumes about her pride in her victorious son, who became only the second Indian captain, after Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2007, to lead the Men in Blue to a T20 World Cup title.
Poornima revealed that Rohit had contemplated retiring from T20Is regardless of the World Cup outcome.
T20 World Cup: Team India victory parade
However, it all culminated perfectly for captain Rohit, who bid farewell to his T20I career on a high note.
“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,” Poornima told The Indian Express.
“I can’t express my happiness. Look at the cheering. I have never experienced this kind of atmosphere. The amount of love he is getting is because of his hard work and dedication. I’m the happiest mother today,” she said.
Rohit announced his retirement from T20 internationals after leading the team to their second World Cup victory in the shortest format, describing it as the perfect time to bid adieu.
T20 World Cup: Team India victory parade
Rohit joined his longtime teammate Virat Kohli, who also retired from T20Is minutes after India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final.
"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," Rohit had expressed after India's triumph in the final.
Rohit concluded his T20I career with 4,231 runs from 159 matches, including five centuries and 32 fifties.
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