NEW DELHI: India clinched the T20 World Cup title under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, fulfilling the prophetic prediction made earlier by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
The Men in Blue secured a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final on June 29 in Barbados, marking their second T20 World Cup triumph since the inaugural edition in 2007. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue leading the Indian team for the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship (WTC) final if the team cuts.
Shah, known for his strategic foresight, had confidently stated earlier this year, “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”.
This bold assertion, made during the renaming ceremony of the SCA Stadium in Rajkot, rang true as India overcame formidable challenges to claim the coveted trophy.
Reflecting on the victory, Shah emphasised the team’s resilience and determination, saying, “This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. They have showcased exceptional skill and fortitude throughout the tournament.”
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India’s journey to victory was underscored by standout performances from bowlers Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh, who played pivotal roles in the team’s success, particularly during the crucial final overs against South Africa.
“This was our third final within a year. On June 11 last year, we lost the WTC final. On November 19, after winning 10 matches, we won hearts but failed to win the ODI World Cup. But as I had said earlier this year in Rajkot, India proceeded to win hearts and the World Cup under Rohit’s leadership,” Shah added.
The triumph not only ended India’s 11-year ICC title drought but also validated Shah’s faith in the team’s capabilities. “I had full confidence that under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, we would be champions,” Shah reiterated, acknowledging the collective effort that brought glory to Indian cricket.
Looking ahead, India’s focus now shifts to the upcoming challenges, including the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the third ICC World Test Championship final. Shah confirmed Rohit Sharma’s continued leadership in both formats, expressing optimism about India’s prospects in these prestigious tournaments.
With Jay Shah’s earlier prediction on India’s T20 World Cup triumph proving accurate, all eyes now turn to his forecast regarding India’s potential success in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC).