(Source Instagram)
After 11 years of trials and tribulations, filled with heartbreaks, India’s long-awaited moment of glory finally arrived as they secured the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy with a thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa on Saturday.
Rohit Sharma, who had first tasted World Cup success as a 20-year-old in 2007, now lifted the T20 World Cup trophy once more, this time as captain, bringing home a World Cup title for India after their last triumph in 2011.
Rohit Sharma’s career has been a remarkable journey, marked by extraordinary achievements, and he declared that leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was the pinnacle of his career so far, a moment he considers the greatest.
India faced off against the formidable Proteas in a thrilling match, both teams unbeaten in the tournament. Virat Kohli led India’s batting charge, setting a record with a historic total of 176 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup Final, the highest ever in such a context.
Despite Kohli’s earlier struggles in the tournament, he played a pivotal role, scoring a composed 76 runs off 59 balls, stabilizing India’s innings and steering them towards a commanding total.
Subsequently, India’s bowling excellence came to the forefront. Hardik Pandya and the dependable Jasprit Bumrah showcased their prowess in the crucial final overs, executing a flawless display of death bowling. Their efforts culminated in a thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa, securing India’s cherished T20 World Cup trophy.
“The message was to everyone that let everything out, put whatever you have in your body, mind, put it in front of us and let’s see then what happens,” quoted Rohit when asked about holding his nerve in the final stages of the thrilling game.
“I thought the belief that everyone had till the last ball was bowled was to keep fighting. We wanted to fight, we wanted to fight and then eventually we managed to cross the line.”
However, alongside the triumph, came the announcement marking the end of an era. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja all declared their retirement from the shorter format of cricket for India. This decision is aimed at paving the way for a younger generation of Indian cricketers to assume leadership roles and continue the legacy of success they have helped build.
