Today was the much-needed redemption for every cricket fanatic in the country!
Unfortunately for South Africa, their late-stage chocking at major tournaments continued as the team faltered in the crucial stages of the match despite being ahead in the game for over three quarters of the second innings.
India's win brought back memories of their first T20 World Cup in 2007 under MS Dhoni and marked their first global victory since the 2013
South Africa, playing in their first World Cup final, fought back with Heinrich Klaasen’s 52 off 27 balls, but Indian bowlers managed to control the game’s final moments. Hardik Pandya’s crucial dismissal of Klaasen in the 17th over swayed the momentum back to India.
Historic clash opens emotional floodgates
The T20I World Cup 2024 finals was not just any other international outing. It marked the end of an era for the Indian cricket team, as it marked the end of T20I career for the two legendary batters,
Both players fought tears as they hugged teammates, spoke with broadcasters, and wrapped the Indian flag proudly around them. Equally emotional was Rahul Dravid, India’s coach, who could celebrate a World Cup win in his last assignment. Commentators remarked that such fervent celebration from the usually composed Dravid underline the weight of this victory for team India.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, finally had his moment after previous near-misses in World Cup finals. He said, "No better time to say goodbye to this format. I've loved every moment of this. This is what I wanted - I wanted to win the cup."
Virat Kohli also echoed similar sentiments as he said, “It’s time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we had lost.”
Hardik Pandya, who had a struggling six months on both personal and professional fronts, defended 16 runs in the last over. With Klaasen's dismissal and sealing India’s triumph in the last over, he could not hold back his tears as teammates celebrated with joy.
But the final moments were also marked by contrasting emotions. David Miller's shot in the last over was caught by Suryakumar Yadav, dashing South Africa’s hopes and cementing India’s win. The South African dug out displayed despair and agony as the momentum turned swiftly towards India during the final overs.
"Gutted for the time being. It'll take some time for us to have a really good reflection on a really good campaign the group had. Obviously, for the time being, like I mentioned, it hurts quite a bit. Having said that, I'm incredibly proud of this group of players and everyone involved with the team," SA skipper Aiden Markram said in the post-match presentation.
Cricketers and celebrities hail the team’s performance
Taking to X soon after India's victory in Barbados, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the cricketers have won the hearts of crores of Indians.
“Congratulations Team India on becoming the T20 World Champions. Been the best team in the tournament remaining unbeaten throughout,” VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy, wrote on social media. Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his joy, and Anil Kumble said, “Congratulations team India! Wonderful victory.”
Other cricketing legends, including Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, as well as Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar, extended their congratulations, with Yuvraj praising all key players. Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly remarked on the relief of winning a World Cup after 13 years and praised Bumrah, Kohli, Axar, and Hardik for their roles.
"From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS!" said former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
President Droupadi Murmu praised the team’s never-say-die spirit, saying, “My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup... It was an extraordinary victory in the final match.” Rahul Gandhi also said that team India will miss Rahul Dravid, and praised the team’s efforts, particularly mentioning Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and the coach.
Large crowds celebrated nationwide, with firecrackers and street celebrations as celebrities expressing joy and pride for the victory.
Union Minister Amit Shah applauded the team’s “unmatched team spirit and sportsmanship,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the motivational impact of the victory on upcoming sportspersons. Other Union Ministers, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and tech leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Google CEO Sundar Pichai added their congratulations.
Bollywood actors also joined in celebrations, reflecting a nation elated by India’s return to global cricketing supremacy. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, congratulated the team, underlining the widespread resonance of India's win.
Overall, India's T20 World Cup victory in Bridgetown against South Africa marked a significant chapter in Indian cricket. With the 11-year wait over, India’s star-studded team celebrated a hard-fought victory, signaling a triumphant return to global dominance in cricket.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)