(AFP Photo)
Virat Kohli showcased his batting mastery, Jasprit Bumrah’s stifling bowling spell, and Suryakumar Yadav’s unforgettable catch all combined in a spellbinding fashion to guide India to their second T20 World Cup victory last Saturday.
India and South Africa engaged in an epic contest, both unbeaten in the tournament. Kohli led India’s batting charge, setting a record-breaking total of 176 runs, the highest ever in an ICC T20 World Cup Final.
Following a stellar batting performance, India’s bowlers took center stage. Hardik Pandya and the reliable Jasprit Bumrah delivered a clinic in precision bowling during the crucial stages, securing a nerve-wracking 7-run triumph over South Africa to claim the prestigious T20 WC title.
Reflecting on the final, Suryakumar Yadav cherished the defining moment of the evening: witnessing their coach and cricket legend Rahul Dravid finally hoist the World Cup trophy.
“That 30-second clip, when he took the trophy in his hand and screamed… that moment when he expressed his happiness. I think I will save that clip for life,” recalled an ecstatic Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with the Indian Express.
Suryakumar Yadav also highlighted the pivotal moment that almost didn’t happen: the crucial phone call made by captain Rohit Sharma to ensure that coach Rahul Dravid joined the Indian team for what turned out to be a historic journey.
“In the end, he came and thanked Rohit and said, “Thank you, Rohit, for that phone call in November”, because he didn’t want to continue after (India’s loss in) the 50-over World Cup but Rohit and Jay sir (BCCI secretary Jay Shah) convinced him to stay,” added Surya.
The story culminated in joyous victory for India, reclaiming a World Cup trophy after a 13-year wait. However, alongside this triumph, came the bittersweet news of an era drawing to a close. Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirements from the shorter format of cricket for India, signaling a transition to a younger generation poised to uphold and extend the nation’s cricketing legacy.
