(Getty Images)
Former Indian cricket star VVS Laxman has emphasized the significance of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to Indian fans, players, and management in his recent video on X. Laxman described it as a momentous victory that holds deep meaning for everyone involved.
VVS Laxman, renowned for his pivotal role in the Indian team during the late 90s and early 2000s alongside Rahul Dravid, also serves as the Head of Director at NCA. Together with Dravid, they formed a formidable partnership, widely regarded as among the finest Test specialists in Indian cricket history.
Rahul Dravid, as the Head Coach of the team led by Rohit Sharma & Boys, finally achieved success in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Under Dravid’s guidance, Team India had come close to winning ICC titles in recent years but fell short until this momentous victory, which coincided with Dravid’s decision to step down as Team India’s Head Coach.
VVS Laxman has provided a detailed insight into the significance of the T20 World Cup title for Team India.
In a video released by the BCCI, VVS Laxman articulated why the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 victory was a remarkable achievement for the Indian Team. Among his insights, he highlighted the profound emotional impact felt by both players and support staff, underscoring the deeper significance of clinching the prestigious ICC title.
“Yeah, it’s obviously a special feeling, you know, winning the World Cup, because when you’re playing against the best in a trophy, which means a lot to all the players who are participating in that tournament, and then the kind of finish we had after being under pressure by the South African batsmen, 30 runs to get in 30 balls”, he said.
“And from there to show the character, the resilience and the self-belief to pull off a match from the jaws of defeat, you know, I think shows the character of the entire team”, he added.
India should have won the ODI World Cup last year: Laxman
Laxman believes that India missed out on the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, despite a flawless run throughout the tournament. Despite winning every match leading up to the final, India faltered in the crucial last match against Australia on home soil.
“And it’s a special feeling, keeping in mind that we have come close, just six months back, you know, we should have won the 50 over World Cup, dominating the entire tournament and then not be able to cross the final hurdle”, the 49-year-old further said.
“Everyone showed their emotions, so it showed how much it meant to each and every player of the squad. And it’s not only the playing 11, but even the support staff, the coaching staff, emotions were really high”, said Laxman, who played 134 Tests and 86 ODIs for India from 1996 to 2006.
India clinched their second ICC T20 World Cup title since their debut triumph under then-captain MS Dhoni in 2007. Despite coming close in subsequent editions, India finally secured the coveted trophy for the second time under the leadership of Rohit Sharma in the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
