Credits:ICC
Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has expressed confidence in the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team, predicting a triumphant end to their ICC trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. India, maintaining an unbeaten record in the tournament, is widely considered the frontrunner to secure the coveted trophy.
While Wassan’s endorsement of India’s prospects may be seen as a vote of confidence, his remarks highlighting South Africa’s historical challenges in crucial matches could potentially stir controversy among the team and its supporters. His statement implies that India’s awareness of South Africa’s past struggles in key encounters might provide them with an added advantage in claiming victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Atul Wassan backs India to break ICC trophy drought ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final
The former Indian opener emphasized that South Africa’s cricket team has historically faced challenges in high-pressure scenarios, noting the swift shifts in momentum that T20 cricket can bring with just a few influential overs from either side. He believes that the team that performs well under pressure will emerge victorious on Saturday night.
Wassan highlighted India’s strengths, particularly their strong batting lineup, consistent performances throughout the tournament, and impactful players who have consistently delivered. He expressed confidence that these factors would enable India to maintain their dominance in the final against South Africa.
While acknowledging India’s historical advantage and current form, Wassan also recognized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where any team can seize control and alter the course of the match. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India possesses all the necessary elements to clinch the ICC trophy this time around, following their disappointment in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Indian team is better than South Africa: Atul Wassan
Atul Wassan was quoted as saying by IANS: “They may not have won any trophy or title but have dominated the scene. But this time, I believe India will win the trophy because South Africa chokes on important occasions. However, you can’t say anything with certainty in T20 cricket, teams can suddenly change the course of the match, they can have a period of 4-5 overs dominance and grab the initiative decisively.”
Wassan further added, “More often than not, good teams win big matches, they may not do well in small matches. No doubt, the Indian team is better — we have better batters, are more renowned, have a record, better impact players and the team has been dominant through the World Cup — reached the final (ODI World Cup 2023), had played the semifinal in Australia and will now play the final.”
India took revenge against England in a befitting manner: Atul Wassan
Atul Wassan underscored India’s authoritative 68-run triumph over England in the semifinals, which propelled them into the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Guyana with considerable flair. Drawing a parallel, he likened India’s commanding performance to a dominant victory by innings in Test cricket.
Reflecting on the match, Wassan admitted to being pleasantly surprised by India’s overwhelming victory, particularly considering England’s 10-wicket thrashing of India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals. This time around, India exacted revenge in a resounding manner, leaving England in disarray despite their initial advantage of winning the toss.
He signed off by saying, “They have taken revenge against England and in a befitting manner. England just did not know what hit them, they won the toss and thought they had the advantage. But the way Rohit Sharma counter-attacked and wrested the advantage, was a treat to watch.”
