Former Indian captain and ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Rohit Sharma, opined on the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, sharing key moments that have defined their encounters since 2007. Up until the 2026 fixture, Rohit Sharma had played in every single India-Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup as well.
“My favourite T20 World Cup match against Pakistan was definitely the final we played, nothing can beat that. We went on to win the World Cup,” said Rohit Sharma as per the ICC website.
In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, India and Pakistan played twice. Their league-stage match ended in a tie, with India winning the bowl-out. This thrilling clash set the stage for their epic final as well.
“In that same year (2007), we also played a league game against Pakistan, which was the only match in the tournament decided by a bowl-out, and we came out on top there as well. So in 2007, both World Cup games were special,” Rohit Sharma recalled.
Another iconic India-Pakistan match took place in the 2022 T20 World Cup fixture at the MCG in Australia.
“I don’t remember a single game where I wasn’t nervous” – Rohit Sharma
“Yeah, I was in the dressing room. Then I came out, but I got nervous and went back inside. When games are this tight, especially when you’re off the field and know you can’t do anything, it just takes that sense of control away from you, and I felt helpless. You actually do feel helpless watching the game unfold when you can’t do anything about it,” said Rohit.
“Kohli played a blinder there. That was again very, very special to watch because we were in no position to win that game, especially after how we started,” Rohit shared. “But the way we finished was magnificent. It has to be one of the greatest cricket games we’ve ever played — because of the occasion. It was a World Cup game, an important one for us to win, and to come back from that situation made it even more special.”
However, Rohit Sharma also said that the nerves still linger ahead of every game as well.
“I’ve played 160 T20 Internationals for India. I don’t remember a single game where I wasn’t nervous. I was nervous for each and every game. That feeling gives me nervousness, and I don’t think that as long as I’m holding this bat, going out there and taking the field, that feeling will ever go away. It stays with me. And that feeling means you still want to go out there, play the game, and give your best,” Rohit Sharma concluded.
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