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Captain Rohit Sharma praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his outstanding performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa. Rohit Sharma emphasized Pandya’s composure under immense pressure during the crucial final over of the match.
India secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final held in Barbados on June 29. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, claiming their second T20 World Cup title after their inaugural triumph in South Africa in 2007.
At one point, South Africa seemed poised for victory, needing 30 runs from as many balls. However, Hardik Pandya’s pivotal dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen on the first ball of the 17th over shifted the momentum in India’s favor. Pandya then successfully defended 16 runs in the final over, crucially dismissing David Miller along the way, to secure the historic win for India.
There Is Always So Much Pressure To Bowl – Rohit Sharma
At the felicitation ceremony held at Wankhede Stadium after the celebratory bus parade, Rohit Sharma commended Hardik Pandya for his exceptional display during the final over of the match. Sharma acknowledged Pandya’s ability to handle immense pressure while bowling the decisive over, irrespective of the target set by the opposition.
“Hardik was bowling the final over for us. Hats off to him for bowling that last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him,” said Rohit during the event.
Hardik Pandya made significant contributions with both bat and ball throughout the tournament. He accumulated 144 runs in 8 matches, averaging 48 with a strike rate exceeding 150. As a right-arm pacer, he claimed 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.64. His performances propelled him to become the first Indian male cricketer to attain the top position in the ICC all-rounder rankings.
This Trophy Is For The Entire Nation – Rohit Sharma
At 37 years old, Rohit Sharma recognized the 11-year wait Indian fans endured to witness another ICC trophy victory. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for their steadfast support and dedicated the trophy to all fans and players who have represented the country.
“This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years,” said Rohit.
“Mumbai never disappoints. We got a solid reception. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved,” Rohit said during the event,” he concluded.
The cricketer from Mumbai announced his retirement from T20 international cricket following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He holds the distinction of being the highest run-scorer in T20I history, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches, and holds the record for the most centuries in T20Is. Rohit Sharma has played a pivotal role in clinching two T20 World Cup titles for India.
