In Indian cricket history, the 2007 T20 World Cup holds a special place. One name that will forever be remembered from that tournament is Joginder Sharma, the bowler who defended 13 runs in the final over against Pakistan, leading India to victory. While Joginder became an overnight sensation, his cricket career didn’t follow the same trajectory as some of his teammates, but his life took a turn towards another path of service.
Early Cricket Journey: The Start of a Dream
Joginder Sharma, born on 23rd October 1983 in Rohtak, Haryana, made his debut for India in 2004. Interestingly, his international career began on the same day as MS Dhoni’s, when both players debuted against Bangladesh. However, while Dhoni went on to become one of the greatest captains, Joginder’s journey was different. Despite being a promising all-rounder, his cricket career was full of ups and downs.
The Moment of Glory: 2007 T20 World Cup
Joginder’s big break came in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. He played a crucial role in the semi-final against Australia, picking up 2 wickets, which helped India reach the final. But it was the last over of the final match against Pakistan that truly changed his life.
With Pakistan needing 13 runs to win in the last over, Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder. The pressure was immense, but Joginder held his nerve. He dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq, sealing India’s victory and giving the country its first-ever T20 World Cup title. This one over made Joginder a household name, and he became a hero overnight.
Unexpected Turn: Life After the World Cup
Despite his heroics, Joginder didn’t get more opportunities to play for India. His international career ended with just 4 ODIs and 4 T20 matches, in which he took a total of 5 wickets. After his World Cup triumph, he returned to domestic cricket, representing Haryana in first-class cricket.
A Near-Death Experience: The Car Accident
In 2011, Joginder’s life took a dramatic turn. While driving in West Delhi, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him with severe head injuries. He was in critical condition and spent time in the ICU, fighting for his life. It was a tough period for him, but he eventually recovered after months of treatment and rehabilitation.
From Cricketer to Policeman: A New Chapter
After recovering from the accident, Joginder made a decision that surprised many. He decided to leave professional cricket and join the Haryana Police. In recognition of his contributions to Indian cricket, the Haryana government had appointed him as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) after the 2007 World Cup win. Joginder took up the role and has since been serving the country in his new capacity.
Joginder’s Domestic Cricket Legacy
While his international career was short-lived, Joginder had a significant domestic career. He played 77 first-class matches, taking 297 wickets and scoring 2804 runs. In List A cricket, he took 115 wickets and scored 1040 runs in 80 matches. These numbers reflect his all-round abilities and the talent that made him a valuable player for Haryana.
Joginder Sharma’s story is one of resilience and dedication, both on and off the field. From being a T20 World Cup hero to serving as a DSP, his journey is a unique example of how life can take unexpected but fulfilling turns. Fans will always remember him as the bowler who delivered under pressure and helped India win one of its most cherished cricket titles.
