(Credit BCCI)
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has credited Axar Patel, not Virat Kohli, as the pivotal figure in India’s T20 World Cup final victory. Jaffer emphasized that Axar Patel’s aggressive innings disrupted the rhythm of the South African bowlers.
During a critical phase when India had lost three early wickets for just 34 runs, Axar Patel was promoted to bat at No. 5 ahead of Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya. His calculated aggression, particularly against the spinners, prevented them from settling and allowed Virat Kohli to play his natural game without undue risk.
Patel’s attacking approach was evident throughout his innings, highlighted by a crucial knock of 47 runs off 31 balls, which included one four and four sixes. His straight six off fast bowler Kagiso Rabada stood out as a testament to his superb counter-attacking innings. Unfortunately, Patel was run out by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, but his contribution had already provided the necessary momentum shift for India in the final.
Wasim Jaffer – The most important part was played by Axar Patel
During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer praised Virat Kohli for his composed presence at the crease during a challenging period for India.
“Virat Kohli hadn’t scored many runs in the tournament, but he chose the right moment to come good. Cometh the hour, cometh the man as we say, his knock of 76 made a lot of difference and kept one end intact,” Jaffer said.
Even though Virat Kohli was the highest scorer in the match, Wasim Jaffer highlighted Axar Patel’s innings as the game-changer. Jaffer emphasized that Axar Patel’s aggressive batting ensured the run rate stayed high, which was crucial for India’s success.
“The most important part I thought was played by Axar Patel. The cameo that he played ensured that the run rate from India never dropped below eight runs per over. He took the attack to the South African bowlers and didn’t let them settle, forming a crucial partnership with Kohli,” the former India batter mentioned.
“We should bow down to the true greats of the game” – Wasim Jaffer on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Jaffer also discussed the retirement of two Indian legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, from T20I cricket following this match. The former India opener supported their choice to retire from the format at a peak moment in their careers.
“Two giants of the game (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) have retired from T20Is and this will certainly form a big gap. However, they rightly chose to go out on a high after winning the trophy and we should bow down to the true greats of the game. We will continue to see them in IPL, ODIs and Tests,” Jaffer further added.
In the match, India set a target of 176-7 in their 20 overs. South Africa appeared poised for victory as Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller aggressively handled the Indian spinners. However, with 30 runs required off 30 balls, Jasprit Bumrah returned with a remarkable spell that shifted the momentum in India’s favor.
Entering the final over with South Africa needing 16 runs, Hardik Pandya remained composed as the Proteas fell short by 7 runs. This victory marked India’s second T20 World Cup title, following their inaugural win in the format back in 2007.
