‘Expectations will be high’

MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma, the toast of Mumbai, talks about life, new-found fame and attention besides cricket

How does it feel to be World champions?
I can’t express in words how happy the team is. It’s like a dream come true.

How did you feel about the reception you got in Mumbai?
It was overwhelming. We were not expecting such a grand welcome and it’s a great feeling to know that every Indian is celebrating our victory. It shows how important we are for our countrymen. Whatever cricket I know, I have learnt it in Mumbai.

Are you comfortable with the kind of media attention you are getting?
It feels good. But I am also aware of the fact that the same media bura khelne par band bhi baja deti hai.

After winning the Twenty20 World championship, there will be more pressure on the Indian team…
Definitely. The pressure is always there when you are playing at home, especially since it’s close on the heels of such a great victory. People have lots of expectations from us.

What was the USP of the team during the tournament?
Team spirit.

How well did you gel with your teammates?
Everybody was very friendly. There were many new players in the squad, but the comfort level among was amazing. Sree, Yuvi, Robin and Karthik played pranks on each other all the time. In fact, everybody was fun-loving and we had a great time with each other.

What is your opinion of MS Dhoni as a captain?
Dhoni was very supportive throughout the tournament and understood the players well. He was very happy with the team, because every player performed according to what was expected of him. I think, he is an excellent captain

What did you miss the most during your stay in South Africa?
I missed my mother’s dal-chawal. I also missed Ganeshotsav and would call friends in my building and ask them about the festival. I missed Mumbai the most.

What was the first thing you did after coming back from the South Africa?
I was dying to see my mother and so was she. After meeting her, we went to see my new house that was under-construction at the time of my going on tour.

What do you think about T20?
It’s a good format for those who enjoy a quick game. Indians are clearly very excited about the format.

What are the chances of an India win in the upcoming series against Australia?
Chances are bright because right now our confidence level is high. Since we are playing at home, the conditions will favour us.

What do you think about Ricky Ponting’s comment about the Big Three being under pressure because of the youngsters?
It’s their point of view. It clearly shows that they are under pressure after losing to us in the semifinals.

What would you like to tell your fans?
Every team needs support, but I would like to remind our fans that in a game you win some and you lose some. People should not get angry when we lose a match. It’s easy to sit and pass a comment, but it’s a different ball game out there in the middle.

How was the support of crowd in South Africa?
Crowd was very encouraging and  we got good support throughout the tournament.

What kind of suggestion your mother use to give you?
She always asked me to play bindass and not to think of the pressure.