Rohit Sharma has revealed the tense atmosphere within the Indian dressing room during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, admitting he was "panicking" after the team's early setbacks. India, after winning the toss and electing to bat, found themselves in a precarious position at 34 for 3 in the powerplay, with Rohit himself, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav dismissed cheaply.

Sharma, in a conversation with JioCinema, confessed his unease. "I was panicking. I wasn't comfortable," he said. "I thought we'd let them into the game".

However, Virat Kohli, who had a quiet tournament until the final, stepped up with a crucial innings, scoring a measured 76 off 59 deliveries. His knock not only stabilized the innings but also calmed the nerves in the dressing room. Sharma praised Kohli's experience and ability to stay focused in the moment. "The experience of playing for India for so many years helps. You can control your emotions, control your thoughts, and stay in the moment," Rohit noted. "I'm sure he (Kohli) was thinking the same: 'Today is the day I need to be focused.' Not worrying about what happened before. And he played a brilliant innings".

Kohli's innings was a masterclass in pacing and strategy. He started cautiously, then accelerated in the death overs, helping India reach a competitive total of 176 for 7. Kohli's innings included hitting 4 sixes, tying him for the most sixes hit in a T20 World Cup final by an Indian.

Sharma also lauded Axar Patel's contribution, calling his knock of 47 off 31 balls a "game-changer". Patel's aggressive innings shifted the momentum back in India's favor. "Not many people are talking about Axar's knock, but it was the game-changer," Rohit emphasized. "Scoring 47 off 31 at that stage was vital". Kohli and Patel's 72-run partnership was also crucial in steadying the ship after the early wickets.

After Axar's dismissal, Kohli added 47 runs with Shivam Dube, who contributed a quick 27 off 16 balls. Kohli then accelerated in the final overs, ensuring India had a defendable total.

In the end, India pulled off a thrilling victory, defeating South Africa by 7 runs to win their second T20 World Cup title. The bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve in the death overs to seal the win. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his crucial innings.

Following the victory, Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, announced their retirement from T20I cricket.

Reflecting on the win, Rohit described it as the "best moment" of his cricketing career. He also spoke about how the team bounced back from the heartbreak of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final. "It meant so much to all of us, to that group," Rohit said. "We'd experienced the heartbreak of coming so close and falling short. That's why it was special. We planned meticulously. We worked hard every single day, constantly thinking about how to win the World Cup".