Then Joginder now Shafali, Rohtak’s bond with World Cup triumphs continue

Rohtak, a city renowned for producing exceptional sporting talent, holds a rare and remarkable distinction in Indian cricket history. It is the only city across Haryana that can proudly claim a deep connection with both the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC ODI World Cup—two of India’s most iconic cricketing triumphs.

What makes this connection extraordinary is that Rohtak’s son — Joginder Sharma — and daughter — Shafali Verma — not only featured in the final matches of both prestigious tournaments but also played decisive roles in sealing victory for India.

The story began in 2007, when a young and medium-pace bowler, Joginder Sharma, now a DSP in the Haryana Police, was handed the responsibility of bowling the nerve-wracking final over against Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup.

With millions glued to their screens, Joginder kept his composure. His delivery induced a mistimed shot from Pakistan’s batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, sending the ball into Sreesanth’s hands and the entire nation into frenzy. That wicket did not just win a match, but it etched Joginder Sharma’s name permanently into India’s cricketing folklore.

For Rohtak, it was a moment of immense pride as the first time a local boy played a key role in a cricket World Cup final.

After 2007, Rohtak had to wait for 18 years to once again see itself in the heart of India’s cricketing glory. This time, it was Shafali Verma, the batter known for redefining aggression in women’s cricket. In the ODI World Cup final, Shafali delivered an unforgettable all-round performance.

Her blistering 87 runs off 78 balls laid the foundation for India’s competitive total. Later, with the match hanging in balance, she returned with the ball to claim two crucial wickets, turning the momentum decisively in India’s favour.

“For Rohtak, this dual legacy is more than mere coincidence. The city has long been a cradle of sports excellence, producing champions across wrestling, boxing, badminton and athletics. Yet the achievements of Joginder Sharma and Shafali Verma stand out because they came at moments when the expectations of every Indian rested on their shoulders and both delivered with courage and brilliance,” said Prof (retired) Rajender Prasad Garg, former Director (Sports) at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak.

Today, this extraordinary connection fills not just Rohtak but the entire nation with pride. From local tea stalls to cricket academies buzzing with young hopefuls, stories of Joginder Sharma and Shafali Verma inspire the next generation.

Yogeshwar, a local tea-shop owner, said the grand welcome for Shafali Verma after her World Cup heroics felt like a powerful echo of the respect accorded to Joginder Sharma when he returned in 2007.

He recalled how MP Deepender Hooda, when his father Bhupinder Hooda, was the Chief Minister, drove an SUV with Joginder sitting beside him, a deeply symbolic gesture of pride and honour. “Both Joginder and Shafali made our city and nation proud, but there is something extra special about them being from Rohtak, hence it feels like their triumphs are ours,” Yogeshwar added.

Joginder Sharma, now posted as DSP in Rewari, said, “Haryana is truly a land of sportspersons. We have stars not only in cricket but also in wrestling, boxing, shooting, javelin throw and many other games. But it feels extra special when someone from our own hometown shines on the international stage and brings honour to the entire state. Like people of Rohtak and Haryana, I am also deeply delighted by Shafali Verma’s stellar World Cup performance.”

He said it was a matter of pride that both he and Shafali received training at the same cricket academy in Rohtak.

Recalling the tense final over of the 2007 T20 World Cup, Joginder Sharma said he was fully confident India would win even though Pakistan needed 13 runs from six balls.

“I bowled the first delivery wide, but I was actually pleased as the swing was working. Swing has always been my strength, so seeing the ball move gave me more confidence that I could get a wicket in that over. Even after Misbah smashed a six to bring the target within reach, I stayed calm as I knew just one good delivery would end Misbah’s inning, and that’s exactly what happened. Misbah got out after being caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg and it sealed the victory for India,” he added.

Much like Joginder, Shafali Verma too received a grand welcome on her return to Rohtak after the World Cup victory. At Rohad Toll Plaza near Sampla town, the Rohtak district administration greeted her warmly and she was later taken to her home in the city in an open jeep alongside Haryana Cabinet Minister Krishan Bedi and former minister Manish Kumar Grover. Recently, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini too honoured her with a cheque of Rs 1.5 crore and a Grade-A sports grade certificate for her outstanding performance. In addition, the Haryana State Commission for Women has appointed her as its brand ambassador.