New York, As he steps into his ninth ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is not just focused on the game but is also contemplating his enduring impact on the sport and its future players. Sharma, who is one of the only two players, alongside Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, to have participated in every T20 World Cup since its inception, shared his thoughts on his journey and the evolution of the tournament.

According to International Cricket Council, Sharma’s reflections were part of a broader discussion about his career and the growth of T20 cricket. He reminisced about his debut in the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he made a significant mark by scoring a half-century against South Africa in his first match, earning him the Player of the Match award. However, it was the unique bowl-out against Pakistan that stood out most in his memory, a novelty at the time, which India won, adding a thrilling chapter to his early experiences in international cricket.

Over the years, Sharma observed that the T20 format has evolved significantly, reaching levels of competition and excitement that were initially unforeseen. He expressed amazement at how the game has changed and grown, noting the dynamic style of play and how countries and players have adapted over nearly two decades.

Emphasizing the significance of the World Cup, Sharma stated that winning the tournament is the most prestigious achievement in cricket. Beyond personal and team ambitions, he expressed a desire to leave a lasting legacy that would inspire and motivate the next generation of cricketers. His goal is to encourage young players to embrace the sport, appreciate the importance of maintaining composure, and understand the dedication required to excel.

India is set to face Ireland in their opening match of the Men’s T20 World Cup in New York on Wednesday, where Sharma will once again lead his team in pursuit of another world title.