Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant finally revealed how his fake injury broke South Africa’s dominant momentum in the T20 World Cup final, where India ultimately won to lift the trophy for the second time.  

During a recent ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, Indian captain Rohit Sharma revealed that Risbhah Pant’s fake knee injury took some time, which ultimately broke South African batters’ momentum in the game. As the team physio came on the ground to check Pant, it took some time before the next action of the match. It was Pant’s first ICC tournament after his return to the game from a long injury layoff. 

Chasing down the 177-run target, South Africa were strongly batting at 151/4 in 16 overs. The Proteas side needed 26 off 24 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen was firing on 52 off just 26 balls. 

After that important break, Hardik Pandya started the 17th over, and Klaasen was caught behind by Pant on the first ball of that over. Since then, the Indian bowlers were completely disciplined. In the last four overs, India conceded only one four and ultimately won the match by seven runs. It was India’s second men’s T20 World Cup trophy win after winning the inaugural edition of the tournament in South Africa in 2007.    

They had scored plenty of runs in 2-3 overs: Pant

In a recent Star Sports Show, Pant revealed that incident. The wicketkeeper said, "I actually thinking what to do because the momentum had suddenly shifted, they had scored plenty of runs in 2-3 overs, so I was thinking when will that moment come when we will the World Cup final." 

I was asking the physio to take time: Pant

In the 15th over, the Indian left-arm spinner Axar Patel conceded 24 runs as Klaasen slammed him two fours and two sixes. 

Pant added, "I was asking the physio to take time. When Rohit bhai asked if my knee is fine I said, 'Bhaiya, mast acting kar raha tha' (I was acting all this while). Sometimes you have to do these types of things in matches. I'm not saying it works every time, but it does work sometimes and if it works at that kind of a moment, then nothing like it."

It was South Africa’s first final in any ICC men’s World Cup tournament, while the Indian men’s last time won an ICC trophy was in 2013 by winning the ICC Champions Trophy.

RISHABH PANT - THE MOMENTUM BREAKER...!!! 😄👌

Pant narrated the story behind his injury during the T20 World Cup final when SA needed 26 from 24. [Star Sports] pic.twitter.com/7AeyHAnzdF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 12, 2024

In a thrilling final of the T20 World Cup 2024, India clinched a seven-run victory over South Africa, holding their nerve in the last moments of the match. Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance and Rohit Sharma’s tactical approach on and off the field ensured India’s first T20 World Cup title in over a decade. With South Africa needing 30 runs in 30 balls, the game was in their favor until India turned the tables, thanks to a fiery bowling display and Rohit's psychological strategies.

Rohit Sharma’s bold sledging plan in the crucial moments

As the match reached its final stages, South Africa required 16 runs in the last over. Rohit Sharma, known for his calm demeanor, revealed a different side during the match as he urged his teammates to put pressure on the South African batters through sledging. His bold statement to the players, "Jisko jo bolna hai bolo bindaas, umpires and referees ko hum baad mei handle karenge," demonstrated his unyielding desire to win at any cost. Suryakumar Yadav’s crucial catch of David Miller in the first ball of the final over further fueled India’s confidence.

Rohit Sharma: “Maine sab players ko bola ki umpire aur referee's ko baad mein dekh lenge.” 😭😂#RohitSharma 🤭 pic.twitter.com/I9MLsFSSAY

— Ruhani Pahadi || (रूहानी पहाड़ी) (@Ruhaniman) October 5, 2024

Rohit Sharma: “Maine sab players ko bola ki umpire aur referee's ko baad mein dekh lenge.” 😭😂https://t.co/L2DlmYUhWh

— ` (@cutxpull45) October 5, 2024

Captain Rohit Sharma talking about Rishabh Pant’s smartness in T20 World Cup final .#RohitSharma #RishabhPant @RishabhPant17 @ImRo45
pic.twitter.com/pg1YWCLWdM

— THIRD MAN 👨‍⚖️ (@cricupdatesonX) October 6, 2024

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Rohit and Kohli announce retirement, Suryakumar Yadav named new T20 captain

Following the iconic win, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 Internationals, marking the end of an era. Rohit’s leadership legacy will now be carried forward by Suryakumar Yadav, who was named the new captain of the T20I team. Suryakumar will lead the team in the upcoming series against Bangladesh, set to begin on October 6. Joining him on "The Great Kapil Sharma Show" were teammates Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh, who celebrated the team's victory and shared their experiences of the tournament.

The world of cricket is never short of drama and surprises. In the latest twist, Australia’s star fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has opened up about his exclusion from the Super 8 fixture against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. Starc’s benching to make way for Ashton Agar was a controversial decision that sparked widespread debate among fans and experts alike.

Exclusion from the match against Afghanistan

The decision to bench Starc in the crucial Super 8 match against Afghanistan was surprising. The team management opted to bring in left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, hoping his spin would be more effective given the conditions.

See Also: BCCI overlooks Kohli, consults Hardik Pandya for Gambhir’s new role: Report

Ashton Agar’s performance in the match was commendable. He bowled economically, giving away just 17 runs in his four overs and successfully containing the Afghan batters during the middle overs. Despite his efforts, Australia failed to capitalize and ended up losing the match by 21 runs.

Australia’s exit

Australia’s early departure from the T20 World Cup were disappointing for fans and the team alike. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including strategic decisions, player performances, and perhaps a bit of bad luck. Analyzing the statistical performance of the team provides insight into what went wrong.

Mitchell Starc’s perspective

In a candid discussion on the WillowTalk podcast, Starc shared his thoughts on being left out of the playing XI. He explained that the decision was based on the pitch conditions and the effectiveness of spin bowling in previous matches at the venue.

“They saw previous games on that ground with spin playing a part and obviously Ash and the left-armer enticing them to make a change,” Starc said on the WillowTalk podcast.

Criticism of Pre-tournament seedings

Starc also voiced his criticism regarding the pre-tournament seedings. He argued that Australia’s position did not reflect their capabilities and affected their group stage matchups. Analyzing the seeding process and its impact on the tournament’s outcomes sheds light on potential areas for improvement.

Another point of contention was the scheduling of the matches. Australia’s schedule, which included late-night arrivals and early games, was far from ideal. These logistical issues likely impacted the players’ performance and preparation.

“We finished ahead of England and end up where we were pre-seeded as the second side. All of a sudden, you’re in a different group. We had the two night games and the third was a day game, so it wasn’t the best preparation. We had a delayed flight out of St Vincent, a 90-minute drive from the airport to the hotel in St Lucia, our players got in late by night and then a 10 o’clock toss,” he added.

Starc’s tournament performance

Despite the controversies, Starc’s performance in the tournament was a mix of highs and lows. He took five wickets in as many games, but his economy rate and average were not up to his usual standards.

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, for breakfast on Thursday. PM Modi congratulated the T20 World Cup-winning team during the hour-long meeting, encouraging them to continue their winning streak in future tournaments. The team arrived at No. 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, at 11 am IST and departed from ITC Maurya after receiving a warm reception. Captain Rohit Sharma, along with Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli, was seen cutting a special cake prepared by the hotel’s chef.

PM Modi congratulates and encourages team India

According to India Today, PM Modi urged the team to maintain their momentum and strive for more title victories, expressing confidence that the T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados will motivate them for future successes. In a video, the Prime Minister and the Indian cricket team players were seen sharing laughs and reminiscing about their World Cup campaign. Head coach Rahul Dravid, along with players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, also spoke during the meeting. BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny attended the breakfast meeting as well.

Grand reception and celebration plans

The Indian team left the Prime Minister’s residence and headed back to the New Delhi airport, from where they will travel to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade. The Men in Blue wore customized India jerseys with ‘Champions’ written on them. PM Modi hosted a special breakfast during which he listened to the players’ experiences from the World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean. The Indian cricket team received a rousing reception upon their return home, with thousands of fans gathering outside Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport despite early morning rain. Rohit Sharma led the celebrations, holding the T20 World Cup trophy aloft, while Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid interacted with fans and hotel staff.

See Also: Watch: A huge crowd welcomes Team India at Delhi airport; Rohit and Hardik do Bhangra at team hotel

The celebrations will continue throughout the day with an open-top bus parade and a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma and his teammates will parade along Marine Drive, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah handing over the trophy and the prize money of Rs 125 crore to the players. The victory marks the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy for India, who won the men’s T20 World Cup after an unbeaten campaign, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. Following the victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is, while head coach Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note.

Hardik Pandya has achieved a significant milestone in his career, becoming the world’s new No. 1 T20I all-rounder following India’s T20 World Cup victory. On Wednesday, Hardik ascended to the top spot after a stellar performance throughout the tournament, finishing with 144 runs and claiming 11 wickets. Notably, he became the first Indian all-rounder to reach this pinnacle, solidifying his standing just days after playing a crucial role in the final against South Africa, where he delivered an impressive 3/20 performance.

In the final, Hardik picked up the key wickets of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, which propelled him two places up the rankings, pushing Wanindu Hasaranga to second. This remarkable achievement concludes a memorable campaign for Hardik, who had faced setbacks in his previous World Cup run in 2023 due to injury.

Turning adversity into triumph

Coming into the T20 World Cup, Hardik was experiencing a challenging period. As captain of the Mumbai Indians, he faced a tough season with the franchise failing to make the Playoffs. He also faced severe public criticism, often being booed by fans. However, his fortunes turned around when he returned to play for India under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.

In the final, Hardik played a pivotal role, particularly in the last over. With South Africa needing 30 runs off 30 balls and Jasprit Bumrah bowled out, it was up to Hardik to secure the win for India. He defended 16 runs in the final over, taking the crucial wicket of Miller with the help of a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav, and maintained his composure to complete the over without further damage. His performance brought him to tears as India clinched the match and the title.

Throughout the tournament, Hardik delivered key performances. He took 2/24 against Pakistan, removing Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, and 2/14 against the USA. With the bat, he struck an unbeaten half-century against Bangladesh and scored 23 not out against both Australia and England.

Bumrah and Kuldeep’s ascendancy

Among the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, named Player of the Tournament for his 15 wickets, moved up 12 places to be ranked 11th, his best position since the end of 2020. Bumrah’s exceptional performance was a cornerstone of India’s success. He started with a brilliant 3/14 against Pakistan and, except for a wicketless game against the USA, consistently troubled batters with his precise line, length, and pace. In the final, Bumrah’s scalps included Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.

Kuldeep Yadav also made significant strides, ranking joint-eighth with his 10 wickets. He emerged as India’s best spinner, especially during the West Indies leg. Kuldeep’s notable performances included 2/24 against Australia, dismissing captain Mitchell Marsh, and 3/19 against England in the semi-final.

Another standout performer, Arshdeep Singh, climbed to the 13th position among bowlers. His contributions, along with those of Bumrah and Kuldeep, played a crucial role in India’s dominant campaign.

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Hardik Pandya’s rise to the No. 1 T20I all-rounder spot marks a significant achievement in his career and a historic moment for Indian cricket. His remarkable performances, coupled with those of his teammates like Bumrah and Kuldeep, underscore India’s dominance in the T20 format. As the team celebrates their World Cup victory, these achievements set a high benchmark for future performances.

The discussion over Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational catch in the final over of the T20 World Cup summit clash is not going to end anytime soon. The stunning grab at the boundary line was so close that it has led to several controversies. Needing 16 runs from the final over, South Africa had David Miller on strike. The southpaw hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya, but Suryakumar caught the ball inside the ropes at long-off, released it just as he went over the boundary, and then came back in to complete an astonishing catch.

Social media claims and boundary cushion controversy

In fresh criticism of the catch, many users on social media claimed that the boundary cushion was pushed outside deliberately during the second innings to give the Indian team an unfair advantage. However, these allegations were proven wrong as the boundary cushion was outside the line even during the Indian innings. It is quite common to change the positions of boundary ropes ahead of a match, depending on the pitch being selected for the game.

“I was there at the ground in the TV commentary box and can tell that the white line that’s in question here was not the boundary. The boundary rope wedge was behind that white line and this was the case from the start of the match,” clarified a commentator.

See also: [Watch] Dravid thanks Rohit Sharma for the ‘call’ during his farewell speech – Cricket Winner

Suryakumar’s reaction and historic comparisons

“I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country…God’s plan it was,” Suryakumar told PTI about the catch. For many old-time fans, the catch brought back memories of the unbelievable one taken by Kapil Dev in the 1983 World Cup final against the mighty West Indies. Viv Richards top-edged a Madan Lal delivery and Kapil ran sideways from mid-on to take the blinder.

Suryakumar’s remarkable effort and the subsequent controversy highlight the intense scrutiny and passion surrounding cricket, especially during pivotal moments in World Cup history.

South Africa needed just 30 runs off 30 deliveries with six wickets in hand to clinch the 2024 T20 World Cup. It seemed like an almost certain victory, leaving Rohit Sharma and his men appearing down and out. However, Jasprit Bumrah had other plans. Stepping up to the challenge, Bumrah bowled a crucial 16th over, conceding only four runs, setting the stage for what was to come.

The momentum shifted further when Hardik Pandya took charge in the 17th over. Matching Bumrah’s economy, he gave away just four runs and delivered the game-changing wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, who had been South Africa’s hope with a blistering 27-ball 52. Klaasen’s dismissal was a turning point, jolting South Africa and reigniting India’s chances.

Bumrah returned for the 18th over and struck again, this time dismissing Marco Jansen, conceding a mere two runs in the process. With the pressure now firmly on South Africa, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya closed out the game in style, sealing a dramatic victory for India. The death overs saw a remarkable turnaround, orchestrated by Bumrah’s brilliance and the disciplined bowling of his teammates, securing a memorable win and showcasing why Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the most formidable bowlers in the game.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Match Analysis: How did Afghanistan’s nightmare unfold in just 60 minutes?

In-depth Analysis of Jasprit Bumrah’s Figures in T20 World Cup 2024

Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was instrumental in India’s triumph. In the powerplay, Bumrah set the tone for India’s bowling attack, taking 5 wickets at an impressive economy rate of just 4.1. His ability to deliver dot balls consistently, with a dots percentage of 65.5%, put immense pressure on the opposition right from the start, often leading to early breakthroughs that shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

During the middle overs, Bumrah continued to dominate, claiming another 5 wickets with an economy rate of 4.7. His dots percentage of 58.3% during this phase further highlighted his skill in maintaining tight lines and lengths, stifling the batsmen’s scoring opportunities. Bumrah’s ability to adapt his strategies mid-innings kept the opposition guessing and prevented any significant partnerships from developing.

In the death overs, Bumrah’s prowess was unmatched. He took 5 crucial wickets at an extraordinary economy rate of just 3.7, with a dots percentage of 58.7%. His precision and execution under pressure were pivotal in closing out games for India, often turning the tide in their favor during the final moments. Bumrah’s consistent brilliance across all phases of the game earned him the Player of the Tournament award and underscored his vital role in India’s World Cup victory.

The Men in Blue won by seven runs and lifted their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. “Usually, I’m the one who tries to keep my emotions in check and get the job done, but today I don’t have many words. I don’t usually cry after a game, but the emotions are taking over,” said Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament. Bumrah bowled the crucial 16th over right after Axar Patel had been hit for 24 runs. “I saw the ball was a bit scuffed up and thought it might reverse a bit. I considered which shot would be the most difficult for the batter and was able to execute it,” he explained.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: How did Rohit Sharma decimate Australia’s bowling attack?

In an emotionally charged dressing room speech, Rahul Dravid expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian cricket team following their thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa to clinch the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid singled out captain Rohit Sharma for a special thank you, acknowledging his pivotal role in the team’s success during his farewell speech.

“Bro thank you very much for making the call…”

“Rohit, your leadership and crucial calls have been instrumental,” Dravid said, his voice thick with emotion. “Bro thank you very much for making the call in November and asking me to continue,” he added for Rohit Sharma. He emphasized the collective effort and stellar performance of every team member, praising their dedication and resilience throughout the tournament.

The celebrations, which began immediately after the win, continued into the morning in Barbados, with the team reveling in their hard-earned victory.

A glance back and a look ahead

During the jubilant celebration, Dravid also took a moment to remind Virat Kohli of the one missing accolade in his illustrious career—the ICC World Test Championship trophy. Despite reaching the final twice, Kohli has yet to secure this particular title. “Virat, there’s still one more trophy to bring home,” Dravid encouraged, keeping the team’s focus on future goals.

See Also: No congratulatory post from Shubman Gill after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win; Fans react

In recognition of their remarkable achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid to congratulate them. For Dravid, this victory is especially sweet as it marks his first senior men’s World Cup trophy in three attempts. Having been part of the team that lost to Australia in the 2003 final and then again as head coach when India was defeated by Australia at home, this triumph is a testament to his perseverance and commitment to Indian cricket.

With his head held high, Dravid’s emotional speech and the team’s celebrations underscore a historic moment for Indian cricket, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

Team India have been left stranded in Barbados after winning the T20 World Cup 2024, as Hurricane Beryl has escalated into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm. Initially expected to pass by Barbados on Sunday night local time, the hurricane has forced the closure of the airport, disrupting the Indian cricket team’s plans to fly to New York on Monday morning local time. The team, along with their family members, are currently staying at the Hilton Hotel in Barbados.

Jay Shah updates about the team

Hurricane Beryl has maximum sustained winds of 210 kmph, making it a severe weather event. BCCI officials, including General Secretary Jay Shah, are also in Barbados with the team, staying at the same hotel. They are planning to arrange a charter flight directly to Delhi, but this will not be possible until the airport reopens.

In a media interaction, Jay Shah revealed that the team is “stuck” in Barbados, which has delayed any plans for a felicitation ceremony once they reach India. “Like you we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” Shah told reporters in Barbados.

It has been reported that the Indian cricket team will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon their arrival. Meanwhile, the BCCI has announced a Rs 125 crore prize money for Team India in celebration of their T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

“The BCCI is coordinating to ensure the entire contingent reaches back home safely”

The initial travel plan for Team India involved flying to New York and then to Dubai before reaching India. However, due to the delay caused by the hurricane, the team is now likely to take a charter flight. The Hilton Hotel, where the team is staying, is near the coast and services at the hotel have also been impacted by the storm.

“Like everywhere, services are affected at the team hotel too. The airport is shut so no clarity on departure as of now because of the extremely dangerous hurricane. The BCCI is coordinating to ensure the entire contingent reaches back home safely,” Jay Shah added.

See Also: [Watch] Rahul Dravid asks for job offers; Here is why? – Cricket Winner

The entire Indian contingent, including players, family members, support staff, and BCCI officials, comprises around 70 people. The situation remains precarious as they await further developments and the reopening of the airport to facilitate their departure.

The T20 World Cup 2024 final was a momentous occasion for the Indian cricket team, as they triumphed over South Africa to lift the title. This victory also marked the last match for Rahul Dravid as the team’s coach. Dravid, who had earlier announced that he would not be extending his contract, received a perfect farewell with this win.

Watch the video …

Following the match, Dravid was in a jovial “Indiranagar ka gunda” mood during a candid chat with reporters. He humorously remarked about his impending unemployment, saying he would be jobless from next week. He said, “Yeah, I will be. I mean, next week life will be same for me. I’ll be unemployed, that’ll be the only difference.” In a light-hearted moment, he even asked the journalists if they had any job offers for him, given his current situation.

When questioned about moving on from the massive victory, Dravid’s quick response left the journalists in splits. His humor and candor were on full display, making the conversation memorable.

“I tried to persuade him to stay…”

“I tried to persuade him to stay, but there are obviously various factors he needs to consider. Nevertheless, I cherished the time spent with him,” Rohit Sharma earlier said on Dravid’s exit.

“He was my first international captain when I entered the scene in Ireland. I also witnessed his captaincy during my early Test matches. He’s been a significant role model for us,” Rohit added.

See Also: Dinesh Karthik appointed as RCB batting coach and mentor – Cricket Winner

Meanwhile, the search for the next Indian cricket team head coach is already underway. Former India batter Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the frontrunner for the position. While there hasn’t been any official confirmation, media reports suggest that Gambhir is likely to take charge of the national side after Dravid’s departure.