India’s forgotten T20 World Cup 2007 hero is serving as a DSP in Haryana – His story will surprise you, he is…
When the T20 World Cup begins next month, Indian fans will relive the magic of 2007. MS Dhoni lifting the trophy. Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes. That unforgettable final over in Johannesburg. But rarely do people pause to think about the man who actually bowled that over Joginder Sharma. His name doesn’t trend every year. He isn’t on prime-time debates. Yet without him, India’s first T20 World Cup would never have happened.
Not a Star, Just a Grinder From Rohtak
Joginder Sharma was never meant to be the hero. He wasn’t groomed as a superstar. He wasn’t flashy. He was a hard-working domestic cricketer from Rohtak who spent years grinding it out in the Ranji Trophy.
In the 2004-05 Ranji season, Joginder delivered a performance that few talk about today. He took 36 wickets at an average of just 15 runs and scored 472 runs at an average of 52. That season wasn’t an exception. Over his first-class career, he picked up nearly 300 wickets at an average of 21 better than many specialist bowlers who played far more international cricket. This was a player built on discipline, patience and trust.
Before the Final, He Had Already Saved India
The Johannesburg final wasn’t a lucky roll of the dice. Dhoni trusted Joginder because he had already delivered under pressure earlier in the tournament.
Against South Africa in the Super 8s, India defended a modest total. Joginder gave away just 24 runs in four overs as India won comfortably. In the semi-final against Australia, the real test came. Australia needed 22 runs off the final over. Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder again.
He removed Michael Hussey and Brett Lee. India reached the final. That trust didn’t come out of nowhere.
Thirteen Runs. One Over. History on the Line
In the final, Pakistan needed 13 runs from the last over. Misbah-ul-Haq was on strike. Dhoni could have gone with experience. Instead, he chose belief.
The first ball was a wide. Pressure mounted. Then came a dot ball. Then a full toss that Misbah smashed for six. Millions thought it was over.
But Joginder noticed Misbah stepping across. He slowed the ball down, bowled it wider. Misbah tried the scoop again. The ball hung in the air. Sreesanth caught it. India won the World Cup.
A Crash That Nearly Ended Everything
Success followed. IPL contracts came. Titles with Chennai Super Kings. Then, in 2011, tragedy struck.
Joginder met with a severe road accident in Delhi. He suffered a skull fracture and brain clotting. He spent days in the ICU and months on bed rest. Recovery took nearly a year. Most careers would have ended there. His didn’t.
The Comeback Nobody Talks About
Joginder returned to Ranji cricket in 2013–14. Against Mumbai, he took a five-wicket haul. It was a statement of courage more than numbers.
But the game had changed. Younger bowlers had arrived. Joginder was already in his 30s. His biggest contribution had already been made.
DSP in Haryana
Right after the 2007 World Cup, the Haryana government appointed him as a DSP under the sports quota. He balanced cricket with police duty for years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on the streets of Hisar from morning till night, managing checkpoints and helping villagers. The ICC even highlighted his journey from World Cup hero to frontline worker.
Still Bowling, Still Giving Back
Joginder officially retired in 2023 but still plays in the Legends League. He still bowls death overs. Still carries the calm.
In 2025, he joined a Fit India cycling event in Delhi. His message was simple: a strong nation begins with healthy citizens.
More Than One Over
Joginder Sharma’s story isn’t about just six balls. It’s about years of unseen work, trust earned the hard way, resilience after injury, and service beyond fame.
Heroes aren’t made only in stadiums. Some keep serving long after the applause fades. And that might be the most important legacy of all.