Joginder Sharma Retirement: Joginder Sharma announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday (February 3). Sharma might not be the best bowler India has produced but his historic final over in the 2007 T20 World Cup will not be forgotten so easily. The 39-year-old defended 13 runs against Pakistan with utmost precision to lead India to their maiden T20 World Cup title in the inaugural edition only. Follow All India Cricket Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Joginder Sharma Retirement: WATCH Joginder Sharma’s eventful final over against Pakistan as India win T20 World Cup in 2007 – Check out
https://youtu.be/IaUeGkHHDSM
Joginder bowled the iconic last over of the final against a threatening Misbah-Ul-Haq and courtesy his slow pace, Misbah’s scoop couldn’t clear the fielder at short fine leg. Pakistan needed 13 runs in the final over and MS Dhoni had handed the ball to an inexperienced Joginder Sharma.
The pacer started off with a wide and bowled a dot ball to compensate for it. However, Misbah thumped the second ball – a full toss – for a six. Pakistan were one big hit away from winning the match, requiring six runs off four deliveries.
Misbah then tried to play unorthodox and went for a scoop shot because Sreesanth at fine leg was inside the circle. However, Joginder had taken his pace off the ball and the ball lobed into the hands of Sreesanth instead of going over him.
Joginder later played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and joined the police service subsequently serving as the deputy superintendent of police. He was also on the frontline during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“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,” Joginder wrote in a statement shared by him on social media. The medium pacer also added that he will explore new opportunities in the field of cricket, more on the business side of it.