Joginder Sharma, India’s hero of 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, announces retirement | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Joginder Sharma, the seam bowler who held his nerves while delivering the final over of India’s triumph over Pakistan in the summit clash of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, announced his retirement from cricket on Friday.
“My journey from 2002-2017 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport,” Sharma, who played for India in four ODIs and four T20Is, wrote on Twitter
The 39-year-old former Haryana player donned the India jersey between between 2004 and 2007. He took five wickets in international cricket.
“To all my team-mates, coaches, mentors and support staff: It has been an absolute privilege to have played with you all, and, I thank you all for helping turn my dream into reality.”
Handed the ball by skipper MS Dhoni in the final over of the inaugural T20 World Cup final, the inexperienced Sharma bowled India to victory, scripting one of the most iconic moments in the history of cricket.

Pakistan were well on course for a famous win with Misbah-ul-Haq reducing the equation to six runs off four balls. But the Pakistan batter mis-timed a scoop shot and Sreesanth completed a simple catch at short fine-leg to help India lift the trophy.
However, the final was Sharma’s last game for India and he went on to join the police force as a deputy superintendent. He was on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharma added that he will be exploring new opportunities in the game.
“I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in new and different environment.
“I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life.”
He most recently featured in the Legends Cricket League in September last year.
Sharma also plied his trade in the Indian Premier League, playing under Dhoni for the Chennai Super Kings.
(With PTI inputs)