Sports Desk, Delhi Magazine:Joginder Sharma, the former Indian all-rounder famous for his match-winning final over in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup against Pakistan, recently met with former Indian captain MS Dhoni after a long time. The 40-year-old medium pacer, who played 4 ODIs and T20Is for India between 2004-07, shared a photo of their reunion on social media. Joginder, who joined the Haryana Police in 2007 and currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket in 2023, having not played a professional match since 2017.
In his Instagram post, Joginder expressed his joy at reconnecting with Dhoni after nearly 12 years, captioning the photo, “It was nice to meet @mahi7781 after a very long time. It was fun meeting you after almost 12 years. Today was different. #champions #captaincool #indianarmy #police #sportsmen #@bcci @icc @ipl @csk @friends #love #likes.”
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The 2007 T20 World Cup final remains the pinnacle of Joginder’s brief international career. In that iconic match, Joginder took the crucial wicket of Younis Khan in his first three overs for just 13 runs. With Pakistan needing 13 runs off the last over and only one wicket in hand, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with the ball. Despite conceding a six off Misbah-ul-Haq, Joginder held his nerve, leading to Misbah’s dismissal and securing India’s victory as the inaugural T20 World Cup champions. Joginder finished with figures of 2/20 in 3.3 overs.
Throughout his career, Joginder took 4 wickets in 4 T20 matches and scored 35 runs with one wicket in 4 ODIs. His first-class cricket record is even more impressive, with 2,804 runs at an average of 24.81, including 5 centuries and 10 half-centuries, and 297 wickets with best figures of 8/24.
Joginder’s meeting with Dhoni has evoked nostalgia among cricket fans, reminding them of one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated moments.