India’s Unbroken Record of Excellence
In the last three men’s ICC tournaments, India has achieved an unprecedented level of success, winning 23 out of 24 completed matches and claiming two trophies. This remarkable run of form is a testament to the sustained excellence that few cricket teams have ever managed to achieve. Rohit Sharma, who has captained India through all of these tournaments, knows the significance of this achievement all too well. Despite the challenges and the pressure that come with representing a cricket-crazy nation, Rohit and his team have consistently risen to the occasion, demonstrating a level of resilience and skill that is truly world-class.
Navigating Diverse Challenges
While India has been fortunate to play all of their five matches in the 2023 Champions Trophy in Dubai, their previous tournaments were far more demanding. In the 2023 World Cup, they traveled to nine different venues across India, losing only the final to Australia. The T20 World Cup they won last year saw them starting with three matches in New York state, and then playing their last six matches across five different venues, with one game abandoned due to weather. Rohit acknowledges that these varied conditions and schedules have tested the team’s adaptability and mental fortitude. "That’s a great, great milestone to have, honestly speaking," he said. "It speaks to the kind of team this is. We know we didn’t reach the ODI World Cup and lost that final, but then we went to the T20 World Cup and didn’t lose a single game. We went on to win the trophy here as well."
The Secret to Success
The secret to India’s success lies in the team’s depth, understanding, and excitement. Rohit emphasizes that the players have managed to put aside external pressures and focus on their game. "There’s too much pressure on the outside. If one game, India loses, or the match goes here and there, there’s so much speculation that happens. But the boys and the team have actually managed to put that aside and just focused on how to win games and how to enjoy the game. That’s been the most important aspect of our game in the last two or three years that we’ve been here." This mindset of enjoying the game and staying in the moment has been crucial in maintaining their winning streak.
Unparalleled Teamwork
If you narrow the focus to the years 2024 and 2025, India has won all 13 of their matches, encompassing two different formats. This consistency is even more remarkable when compared to MS Dhoni’s era, where India won all three limited-overs trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. However, Dhoni’s team only went undefeated in the 2013 Champions Trophy and never managed to win two ICC trophies in succession. Rohit’s team, on the other hand, has achieved this feat with a versatile XI packed with allrounders. "If you look at Nos. 1 to 11, the players who got a chance to bat or bowl, they have contributed in their own ways. Eventually, when everyone plays together and a lot of people contribute, you get a lot of success consistently."
Contributions from Top to Bottom
In the recent Champions Trophy, every player who had the opportunity to bat or bowl made a significant impact. It was not just one star performer carrying the team; instead, the success was a collective effort. "The players who got a chance to bowl played their part. The players who got a chance to bat won us games. It was not like only one player scored all the runs in the tournament. Everyone has contributed here and there because we knew that wickets were challenging here, and it’s not easy for everyone. So getting all contributions from top to bottom was crucial." This spirit of teamwork and mutual support has been a defining characteristic of India’s recent triumphs.
The Future Lies in the Present
For Rohit and his team, the focus remains on the present, rather than the future. "There’s no future plan, whatever is happening will keep happening," he stated. This philosophy is rooted in the belief that staying grounded and focused on the task at hand is the key to consistent success. The team’s resilience was evident in their 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia, where they played terrific cricket in nine games but fell short in the final. "We lost the 2023 final after playing such terrific cricket in nine games. So with the same mindset, with the same intention, with the same game plan, we went to play the final. But we talked about the fact that [we] don’t give up till the game is over. This is what we spoke about before these two finals—that we’ve to stay in the game till the end."
Unquenchable Hunger and Passion
Finally, Rohit highlights the team’s hunger and passion, qualities that cannot be taught but are deeply ingrained in the players. "There is a lot of hunger and a lot of passion. These things are not supposed to be taught. It is very natural to a lot of guys here." This natural drive and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind India’s recent victories, making them a formidable and inspiring force in international cricket. As India continues to dominate on the global stage, their commitment to enjoying the game and contributing collectively will undoubtedly be key factors in maintaining their winning streak.
