Internet Desk: Remember the man who helped India clinch its maiden World T20 title. Eight and half years after that famous final at Johannesburg in 2007, Joginder Sharma is busy these days controlling the law and order of Haryana. Joginder is now the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana.
Sharma will always be remembered for his heroics in the last over of inaugural World Twenty20 final. He got rid of Misbah ul Haq in the last over of the match at the Wanderers, helping India to clinch a nail biting 5 run win against the arch rivals. A mistimed scoop by the Pakistan captain was caught by Sreesanth fielding at short fine leg.
Sharma emerged as an unlikely hero in the inaugural World Twenty20 and earned his place in the history books. But since the famous victory in 2007, Sharma’s career has failed to take off as he did not get an opportunity to represent the Indian team again. However his heroics in the final eight years back landed him a job with the Haryana Police. Joginder is now the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Haryana.
As MS Dhoni and his men begin their campaign for a second World T20 title against New Zealand on March 15 in Nagpur, Xtra Time caught up with the man who helped India clinch its maiden WT20 title.
Did you ever think of becoming a cop in charge of law and order?
Honestly speaking, I wanted to be a cricketer.But 2007 T20 World Cup changed my life. Haryana government gave me 21 lakhs on returning home along with a job in Haryana Police. Now I hold the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. I am proud with my job.
Talk us about your both profession- which one did you enjoy most and why?
See my primarily job is to ensure law and order being maintained in the state. Till 2014-15 season I played for Haryana in all the formats.I still regret about not prolonging my career in the Indian team. I still feel I could have given a lot more back to cricket but destiny did not allow me to do so. But as far as selection in Indian team is concerned, it was not in my hands.I have stopped thinking about my past.
Do you get time from your busy schedule to watch cricket these days?
Frankly speaking , I hardly get time to watch cricket from my busy schedule. But I constantly gets updates about what is happening in the world of cricket.
India is being tipped as firm favorites to lift its second World T20 title. What’s your take?
Like every Indian I also want to see Dhoni lift the cup for a second time. But it will be a difficult task though with the pressure of playing at home as there will be huge expectation from the players. But the current bunch of boys have handed the pressure with ease as is evident from their performance. They are on a role this year winning 10 out of last 11 matches .
Take us back to that last over you bowled at the Wanderers?
It will forever remain the best moment of my life. I have the video of the over downloaded in my mobile. I still remember Dhoni did not give the ball to Harbhajan as had an over left. He captain his hands on my shoulder and said “Tujhe dalna hai..” Rest is history .
What do you think about Dhoni, Yuvraj , Rohit who were your team mates in 2007?
Dhoni is a real champion. I hope he goes on to win the cup for a second time assuming this will be his last T20 World Cup. I want Yuvraj to do well as he was under a lot of last criticism during the last World T20. Rohit as we all know is a class act.
What is your assessment about the current crop of bowlers- Bumrah and Pandya?
Jaspreet will be the future star for India. It will be diificult for the batsmen to judge his delivery as he has a strange action. He also has pace with him. And Pandya is a T20 package for me. His presence will have a positive impact on the team.
Lastly, what will be your message to the Indian players?
Like to wish all the members of Indian team to bring back the cup .