Joginder Sharma recently met up with veteran Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and together they recreated a moment that is still vivid in the memories of cricket fans.
Joginder, who was the unsung hero of India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, posted an adorable picture with Dhoni on Instagram. With background Bollywood music playing “aye yaar sun yaari teri mujhe zindagi se bhi pyari hai,” it evoked a sense of great bonhomie and reverence among the players.
This reunion brought back memories of their unforgettable finish in the finals against Pakistan in 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.
I had a good time catching up with @mahi7781 after a long while. The pleasure of meeting you after almost 12 years felt different today,” Joginder wrote.
In that epoch-making match, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with bowling duties for the last over when Misbah-ul-Haq had already been set. This move stunned everyone due to high stakes and immense pressure involved.
Pakistan needed only thirteen runs to win at this stage but had only one wicket left. The game was on knife-edge mode; tension was rife across all corners of the park.
Joginder who is often regarded as an underdog showed his true self during that game.
The first ball was wide making the atmosphere even more charged. However, jogi maintained his cool by securing a dot but misbah hammered him for six off just the second delivery reducing the equation to six runs required off four balls played.
Misbah tried to scoop it over fine leg on the next delivery but Sreesanth safely caught it mid-air . Following this dismissal , India celebrated wildly as they won their maiden T20 world cup by five runs .
Joginder became an unsung hero overnight because he remained calm under pressure and executed his plans perfectly well
“I thought I should throw the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket. Jogi did a really good job,” said Dhoni after the match.
“It’s one of the things I will treasure for the rest of my life. I’d like to congratulate the boys and thank them for the response they have given me. No one expected us to win and the way we played we deserve a big celebration,” said former India skipper.
Besides, Dhoni led India in winning two more ICC titles which include ICC ODI world cup 2011, Champions trophy 2013 and Test mace.
