India's first T20 WC squad: Where are they now?

The inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 marked a watershed moment in Indian cricket history, culminating in a historic victory for the Men in Blue. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of that triumph lives on, with the champion players continuing to make significant contributions to the sport and beyond.

Amidst the enthusiasm of the tournament, India, led by the young and dynamic MS Dhoni, embarked on a remarkable journey. Despite being underdogs, the Men in Blue displayed noteworthy resilience and skill, overcoming formidable opponents on their path to glory. The victory not only instilled confidence in the Indian team but also inspired a generation of cricketers to pursue excellence in the sport.

17 years have passed since that historic triumph, and the champion players of the 2007 World Cup have ventured into diverse avenues. Let’s look at what some of these iconic players are doing nowadays.

MS Dhoni:  The wicket keeper-batsman emerged as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, leading India to multiple victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. His leadership prowess and calm demeanor earned him widespread acclaim, and he left an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL) by guiding Chennai Super Kings to five titles. After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to showcase his skills in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings.

Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj Singh’s stellar performances in the 2011 World Cup, where he excelled with both bat and ball, solidified his position as a cricketing icon. Despite battling cancer, Yuvraj made inspiring comebacks to the team before retiring from all forms of cricket in 2019. He enjoys his personal life with his family, inspiring millions with his resilience and courage.

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Gautam Gambhir: Gautam Gambhir, the top-scorer in the T20 World Cup final, continued to shine in international cricket after the 2007 tournament. With over 10,000 international runs and successful stints, as he captained Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL trophies and ended up as one of the finest skippers, he established himself as one of India’s finest cricketers. Currently, he serves as the mentor of KKR in IPL 2024.

Dinesh Karthik: Dinesh Karthik’s cricketing journey has been a rollercoaster ride marked by ups and downs. Karthik has showcased his talent in various game formats despite facing challenges and uncertainties. Currently representing RCB in IPL 2024, Karthik’s versatility and resilience make him a valuable asset in Indian cricket.

Virender Sehwag: Virender Sehwag’s explosive batting style made him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Despite limited opportunities after the T20 World Cup, Sehwag’s impact on Indian cricket remains unparalleled. Currently engaged in cricket commentary for IPL 2024 on Jio Cinema, Sehwag continues to inspire budding cricketers with his insights and expertise.

Rohit Sharma: Making his international debut just months before the inaugural T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma showcased glimpses of his talent and potential. Initially playing as a middle-order batter, Sharma displayed a decent performance, hinting at his future prowess. However, the strategic decision to slot Sharma at the top of the order transformed his career trajectory. Sharma embraced the new role with finesse, providing India with solid starts and setting the stage for numerous victories.

Besides his batting exploits, Sharma’s leadership growth has been remarkable. Captaining Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he led the franchise to an unprecedented five titles, showcasing his leadership acumen and tactical brilliance. Additionally, Sharma’s role as the skipper of the Indian cricket team in ODIs and T20Is has further solidified his stature as a leader. Currently, he is the skipper of India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Robin Uthappa: Robin Uthappa’s journey post-2007 T20 World Cup has been characterized by his association with Kolkata Knight Riders. Forming a formidable partnership with Gambhir, Uthappa played a pivotal role in the team’s success in the IPL. The Kerala batter played for Rajasthan Royals in 2020 before being traded to Chennai Super Kings. Currently, he is commentating on IPL 2024.

Piyush Chawla: The spinner last played for India in 2012 at 23 but went on to build a reputation in the Indian Premier League. Following his retirement from international cricket, Piyush Chawla transitioned into playing domestic cricket. His expertise and insights continue to enrich the cricketing fraternity. Currently, he is playing for Mumbai Indians as a specialist spinner in IPL 2024.

Joginder Sharma: Joginder Sharma’s journey took a different turn as he transitioned from cricket to serving as a police officer in Haryana. Despite his limited international appearances, Sharma will always be remembered for his last over and famous delivery that got Misbah-ul-Haq’s wicket in the final that won India the T20 World Cup. He played 12 IPL games for Chennai Super Kings.

Yusuf Pathan: Yusuf Pathan’s cricketing journey saw him excel in the IPL and enjoy moderate success in T20Is and ODIs. He wanted more success in ODIs, where he played 57 games, including six in the 2011 World Cup. Despite announcing his retirement in 2021, Pathan continues contributing to Indian politics, showcasing his versatility beyond the cricket field.

Irfan Pathan: From being a promising young talent to becoming the Player of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, Pathan’s journey is filled with memorable moments. Despite a promising start to his career, Pathan faced challenges and setbacks along the way. His last appearance for India came in 2012 at 27, marking the end of a journey that once held immense promise. In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Pathan dons multiple hats, serving as a cricket commentator and expert on various platforms. 

Ajit Agarkar: Ajit Agarkar’s transition from a prolific cricketer to the chief selector of BCCI underscores his deep-rooted connection with the sport and his commitment to nurturing young talent. He played his last match for India in any format in that tournament. Agarkar continued playing in the IPL and for Mumbai for the next few years before hanging up his boots in 2013. He is currently the chief selector of BCCI. 

Harbhajan Singh: He played 19 T20I matches from 2009 to 2016. His decline in other formats was also evident. Harbhajan averaged over 40 in his last 23 Tests and a little over 35 in ODIs from 2010. Harbhajan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last December 2021. Harbhajan Singh’s retirement from cricket marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life as he ventured into politics. His outspoken nature and leadership qualities continue to make an impact beyond the cricket field.

RP Singh: RP Singh was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2007 event, grabbing 12 scalps. However, he last played for India before he turned 26. He did have a few impressive seasons in the IPL but lost consistency soon after. Currently, he is also commentating on IPL 2024. RP Singh’s noteworthy contributions to Indian cricket and his insightful commentary in IPL 2024 showcase his multifaceted personality and enduring love for the game.

S. Sreesanth: A lethal bowler in his prime, Sreesanth was involved in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal in the IPL, which effectively ended his career. He was arrested with a life ban imposed by the BCCI.  S. Sreesanth’s cricketing journey, marred by controversies and setbacks, culminated in his retirement from the sport. Despite the challenges, Sreesanth’s passion for cricket remains undiminished as he embraces a new phase of life.