What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
As India clinched the T20 World Cup trophy with a seven-run win against South Africa on June 29, one couldn’t help but recall the words of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah from earlier in February this year.
“Everybody had been waiting for my statement on the World Cup. In 2023, India did not win the World Cup after winning 10 matches straight, but we won hearts. But I want to make a promise that in 2024, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India will win the T20 World Cup in Barbados,” Mr Shah had said ahead of the renaming of SCA Stadium in Rajkot as the Niranjan Shah Stadium before the third India-England Test.
On Saturday, June 29, Mr Shah’s words came true as bowlers Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh led India to a remarkable turnaround from needing 30 runs off 30 balls against South Africa.
ALSO READ: Kohli’s last T20 match: Thanked God for his performance
Amid scenes of jubilation and emotion after winning the trophy, former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged Mr Shah’s prophecy from Rajkot, calling him ‘Nostradamus’ on air for his accurate prediction realized in Barbados.
After the victory, emotions ran wild on the ground as Jay Shah hugged Hardik Pandya in happiness, and Rohit Sharma even kissed him during a live chat with the broadcaster. The audience also witnessed Rohit Sharma’s iconic dance while receiving the trophy. India secured the Men’s T20 World Cup title for the second time. Previously, in 2007, India won under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With significant contributions from Kohli, India set a target of 177, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup final. Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls provided the necessary push when the Men in Blue were three wickets down early. Even Shivam Dube, who had been out of form in the tournament, scored a quickfire 27 off 16 balls.
After the match, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T20 cricket. Both are number one and two respectively on the all-time list of T20 international run-scorers.
