In a thrilling conclusion to the T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian cricket team emerged victorious, ending a 13-year wait for a world title. Rohit Sharma, positioned at extra-cover, could only watch as Hardik Pandya geared up to bowl the crucial final delivery. With nine runs needed by South Africa to snatch the win, the pressure was palpable. Pandya delivered a precise, full-length ball. Anrich Nortje could only manage a single run, securing India the championship. As the ball was hit towards Arshdeep Singh at deep mid-wicket, Rohit Sharma collapsed onto the ground in sheer relief and elation after 17 long years of pursuit.
The scene on the field was one of jubilation and raw emotion. Hardik Pandya, who had been at the center of controversy just a month prior, was now on his knees, tears streaming down his face. Rohit, flat on the Kensington Oval turf, pounded the ground, releasing a year’s worth of pent-up frustration and disappointment from recent ODI setbacks. Elated team members rushed towards the pitch, celebrating their newfound status as world champions. Virat Kohli stood with his arms raised to the skies, eyes shut, expressing gratitude for this triumphant day. Now, with a U19 World Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup to his name, Kohli’s legacy was cemented in cricket history.
In the post-match interview, Kohli struggled to contain his emotions. “God is great. This was a now-or-never situation,” he explained. His teammates were equally overcome with emotion, knowing they had defied their “choker” label – given for failing to clinch various titles over the past decade. Under Rohit’s captaincy, despite losing just three ICC matches, the team had often stumbled at critical junctures. However, the victory in Barbados was a sweet vindication, adding to his 22 ICC event wins.
The celebrations were soon tempered with bittersweet announcements. As the team headed back to the dressing room, Kohli and Rohit shared a poignant moment, their eyes brimming with tears. It was then revealed that this final marked the end of both legends’ T20I careers. Kohli acknowledged the rumors during the post-match ceremony, saying, “This was my last T20 game for India. This is exactly what we wanted to achieve.
. One day you feel like you can’t get a run and this happens. God is great. Just the occasion, now-or-never kind of situation. Yes, this was an open secret.” Shortly thereafter, Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments in a press conference. “This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this trophy badly. It’s very hard to put into words,” he confessed.
Rohit and Kohli’s exits from T20I cricket were seen as fairy-tale farewells, a rarity in Indian cricket. The reference to Rahul Dravid, who never had the chance to lift a World Cup as a player despite a distinguished 16-year career, underscored the emotional weight of this win. However, for Dravid, now the head coach of the Indian team, that elusive trophy was finally in hand. During the trophy presentation, Dravid gave an uncharacteristically exuberant yell, evoking memories of his comedic “Indiranagar ka Gunda” advertisement. But this victory cry was genuine, a release of 28 years of longing since his debut in 1996.
As Dravid hoisted the World Cup, he symbolized the culmination of decades of dedication and effort. This victory was more than just a title; it was a narrative of perseverance and ultimately, triumph. The celebrations on that Barbados evening marked not just individual achievements but a collective realization of dreams long deferred. It was Rohit Sharma’s moment. It was Virat Kohli’s moment. It was Hardik Pandya’s redemption. It was Jasprit Bumrah’s crowning glory. Most importantly, it was India’s moment, a moment to be etched in golden letters in the annals of cricket history. Finally, the men in blue had the chance to soak in the accolades they so richly deserved.
