Joginder Sharma

Joginder Sharma – The Hero of 2007 T20 World Cup Final

Introduction

Joginder Sharma is a name forever etched in Indian cricket history. He played a key role in India’s 2007 ICC T20 World Cup victory. His last-over heroics in the final against Pakistan made him a national hero. A right-arm fast-medium bowler, Sharma was an all-rounder for Haryana. He had a brief but impactful international career. Besides cricket, he also served as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Haryana. This article explores Joginder Sharma’s cricket journey, domestic performances, international career, and life beyond cricket.

Joginder Sharma – Quick Facts

Attribute Details Full Name Joginder Sharma Born 23 October 1983 (Age 41) Birthplace Rohtak, Haryana, India Batting Style Right-handed Bowling Style Right-arm fast-medium Role All-rounder National Team India (2004–2007) IPL Team Chennai Super Kings (2008–2012) Current Role Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana

Career Statistics

Format Matches Runs Batting Avg Strike Rate 100s/50s Top Score Wickets Bowling Avg Best Bowling ODI 4 35 35.00 88.0 0/0 29* 1 115.00 1/28 T20I 4 0 – – 0/0 – 4 34.50 2/20 First-Class 77 2804 24.81 60.3 5/10 139 297 21.09 8/24 List A 80 1040 18.24 72.4 0/0 87 115 23.88 4/13

Early Life

Joginder Sharma was born on October 23, 1983, in Rohtak, Haryana, India. He grew up in a modest family. His love for cricket started at a young age. His parents supported his passion for the sport. He played local cricket tournaments, showcasing his all-round skills. His ability to swing the ball and score runs impressed many. Soon, he was selected for Haryana’s domestic team. Sharma worked hard to improve his skills. His dedication and performances earned him a spot in the 2002–03 Ranji Trophy. This was the beginning of his professional cricket career. His strong performances in domestic cricket paved the way for his international debut in 2004. However, he became a household name after the 2007 T20 World Cup final.

Domestic Career

Joginder Sharma made his first-class debut for Haryana in the 2002–03 Ranji Trophy. He made an immediate impact. In his debut match against Madhya Pradesh, he scored 81 runs and took 11 wickets for 84 runs. His all-round performance led Haryana to a 103-run victory. He continued to dominate in domestic cricket. In the 2003–04 Ranji Trophy, he scored 148 runs at an impressive average of 68.51. His bowling was equally outstanding, taking 23 wickets at an average of 23.39.

Key Domestic Achievements

Season Runs Scored Batting Avg Wickets Taken Bowling Avg 2002–03 280 46.66 24 17.41 2003–04 148 68.51 23 23.39 2004–05 472 52.00 36 15.47 2006–07 421 42.10 39 21.09 Sharma’s exceptional performances earned him a spot in the North Zone team for the Duleep Trophy. He took 6 wickets for 59 runs in a crucial match against West Zone, helping his team win the tournament. One of his most remarkable achievements came in the 2004–05 Ranji Trophy. He scored two back-to-back centuries and registered career-best bowling figures of 14 wickets for 116 runs in a match against Vidarbha. His performances caught the attention of national selectors. He was called up for the 2004 India A squad to play against the senior national team. In that match, he dismissed Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Yuvraj Singh. This boosted his chances of playing for India.

International Career

ODI Debut and Short Stint Joginder Sharma made his ODI debut on December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh. He was part of India’s bowling attack but failed to impress. He played four ODIs, picking up only one wicket at an expensive bowling average of 115.00. Despite a poor start in international cricket, Sharma remained a top performer in domestic matches. He continued to push for a comeback into the national team. The 2007 T20 World Cup – The Defining Moment Sharma found his place in India’s squad for the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. This was his golden opportunity to make an impact. In the semi-final against Australia, he bowled the final over. Australia needed 22 runs to win, but Sharma held his nerve and took two wickets, leading India to victory. However, it was the final against Pakistan that defined his legacy. The Historic Final Over vs Pakistan India had set a target of 158 runs. Pakistan was 13 runs away from victory with one wicket remaining. Sharma was given the responsibility to bowl the final over. • First ball – Wide ball. Pressure built on Sharma. • Second ball – A dot ball. • Third ball – A full toss, which Misbah-ul-Haq hit for a six. The tension increased. • Fourth ball – A slower delivery. Misbah tried a scoop shot but mistimed it. The ball went straight into Sreesanth’s hands. India won the T20 World Cup, and Sharma became a hero. T20I Career Summary Matches Wickets Best Bowling Economy Rate 4 4 2/20 8.68 Although his international career was short, his final over in the 2007 T20 World Cup final remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history.

IPL Career

Joginder Sharma played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2008 to 2012. He was part of the 2010 and 2011 IPL-winning squads. His all-round performances helped CSK in crucial moments. Although he did not get many opportunities, he remained a valuable squad member. His experience in pressure situations made him a trusted player for MS Dhoni.

Post-Cricket Career – Haryana Police DSP

After his cricket career, Sharma chose a different path. He joined the Haryana Police in 2007 as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played an active role in enforcing safety measures in Haryana. His dedication to public service won him appreciation from both cricket and non-cricket communities. However, his police career was not free from controversies. In 2023, a case was filed against him and five others in connection with a suicide case in Hisar. Additionally, Sharma moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court after being excluded from IPS promotion consideration. His exclusion raised questions about fairness in the selection process.

Records and Achievements

Achievement Details 2007 T20 World Cup Bowled the final over against Pakistan, securing India’s win Domestic Cricket Over 300 wickets and 2,800 first-class runs IPL Winner Part of CSK’s 2010 & 2011 title wins Haryana Police Became a DSP in 2007

Why is Joginder Sharma Famous?

Joginder Sharma is famous for his match-winning final over in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup Final. His last-over heroics made him an instant cricket legend. Despite a short international career, his name remains etched in Indian cricket history. Additionally, he became a police officer, serving as DSP in Haryana. His transition from cricket to law enforcement is inspirational.

Joginder Sharma Latest News & Updates

Stay updated on Joginder Sharma’s latest news, police career, and cricket analysis: His contributions as a police officer in Haryana Insights on India’s T20 World Cup campaigns Exclusive interviews and throwbacks to 2007 T20 World Cup Check out the Latest News on Joginder Sharma! Joginder Sharma’s legacy as a World Cup-winning bowler and dedicated police officer continues to inspire millions. His journey proves that heroes are made under pressure.