As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 approaches its climax, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian squad is garnering immense support nationwide as they prepare to take on South Africa in the final. Rajkumar Sharma, coach during Virat Kohli’s formative years, expressed optimism that the Indian team can finally break their ICC trophy drought with a victory in the upcoming decisive match.
India has displayed flawless performance throughout the tournament, securing victories in seven matches while one game was abandoned due to weather conditions. Their commanding win over England in the semifinals solidified their spot in the highly anticipated final of this prestigious T20 competition.
India’s national cricket team, known as the Men in Blue, is set to face South Africa in the final showdown at Barbados’ Kensington Oval on Saturday, June 29. Led by Aiden Markram, the South African team has also maintained an undefeated streak throughout the tournament. Their impressive performance in the semifinals saw them comfortably chase down a target of 57 runs against Afghanistan in just 8.5 overs, showcasing their formidable strength and determination.
Making The Final Is A Very Happy Occasion – Rajkumar Sharma
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Rajkumar Sharma expressed joy at India reaching the final and hoped that they would break their ICC trophy drought. Sharma confidently stated that India will win the final, citing their unbeaten run in the tournament and the excellent form of all team members.
“Making the final is a very happy occasion and I really hope that the ongoing drought of ICC trophies will finally come to an end. We will hopefully end the drought this time around and be world champions,” stated Sharma.
“I am fully confident that India will perform well and win this match because they haven’t lost a single match in the entire tournament. Considering the form of all our players, I am certain that India will win this final,” he added.
India has shown greater overall dominance compared to South Africa, who faced challenges in the group stage. Both teams have clashed six times in the history of the T20 World Cups. Team India has won four matches over the Proteas in the T20 World Cups, and they will hope to maintain their record.
My Best Wishes To Team India – Rajkumar Sharma
Rajkumar Sharma commended Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, describing it as exemplary. He lauded Rohit’s ability to lead the team with excellence, noting the cohesive and disciplined manner in which the players have performed under his guidance. Rajkumar underscored that each member of the team has executed their responsibilities effectively and contributed significantly to the team’s success in the tournament.
“He has done a fantastic job as a captain. He has led from the front and the team is expressing themselves and playing like a unit. Everybody is assigned their job and fortunately, all the players are completing their tasks. I send my best wishes to team India and hope that we win today,” Rajkumar Sharma further stated.
The final match in Barbados faces the threat of rain, which could potentially disrupt the proceedings. Should the game be washed out completely, ICC regulations stipulate that the trophy will be shared between the two teams. However, to achieve a definitive outcome, a minimum of 10 overs per side must be bowled according to the ICC’s playing conditions. Additionally, a reserve day on June 30 has been designated to accommodate any delays or interruptions that may occur during the match.