(AFP Photo)
Arshdeep Singh attributed his composure after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory to his focus on staying grounded amidst the emotional scenes that unfolded, particularly among senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Siraj.
The win was significant for India, marking their first ICC tournament victory in 11 years, following a heartbreaking loss in the previous year’s ODI World Cup. In the final, India initially faced adversity but rallied with a stellar bowling effort from their seamers to secure a historic triumph over South Africa.
Arshdeep Singh explained that his emotions were tempered by the intense competition he faced in the IPL, which helped him maintain composure even after India’s T20 World Cup victory.
During his conversation with The Indian Express, Arshdeep Singh attributed his lack of tears after the memorable victory to his experiences in the IPL, suggesting that playing numerous close games in the tournament had conditioned him not to display strong emotions.
“I was very happy. In the IPL, I have played so many nerve-wracking matches for Punjab Kings that I don’t have any emotions left. Mai koshish kar raha tha but yaar aansu nikle nahi (I tried hard but just was not able to cry). I watched the legends of the game… Rohit bhai, Virat bhai, who have achieved so much… they just couldn’t control their emotions. I was happy for them. But I don’t know why I didn’t shed a tear,” Arshdeep mentioned.
Arshdeep Singh impressed in the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.64, tying as the tournament’s top wicket-taker alongside Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi. His ability to strike early and perform well in the death overs made him a key player alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament.
The 25-year-old also shared his passion for writing poetry, mentioning he plans to compose something about Team India’s reception upon their return to the country.
“I haven’t got the chance yet (writing poetry). But whenever I get time, I will definitely put down my emotions on paper. This feeling of winning the World Cup, the reception we got…. I don’t think I would be able to do justice. I just love to write down whatever thoughts come to my mind. Writing poetry helps me take a break from cricket,” Arshdeep said.
India’s emotions ran high as they celebrated their first World Cup victory in 13 years, marking their second T20 World Cup title since their inaugural win in 2007.
