The long-standing pursuit of an ICC trophy for the Indian men’s cricket team finally culminated in a spectacular triumph as Rohit Sharma and his squad clinched the T20 World Cup in a thrilling final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29. This momentous victory marks the end of an 11-year trophy drought, providing immense relief and joy to the team and its supporters.
The final against South Africa was anything but straightforward. Several nerve-wracking moments had fans on the edge of their seats, particularly when Heinrich Klaasen was blazing away with 51 runs off 23 balls. With the Proteas needing only 27 runs off 28 deliveries, it seemed South Africa was on the brink of victory. However, the Indian pacers executed a death-bowling masterclass that not only turned the game on its head but also etched their names in the history books by securing the tournament win.
This victory places India alongside West Indies and England as the only nations to have won the T20 World Cup twice. Rohit Sharma now joins the elite company of Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni as the third Indian captain to hoist a World Cup trophy. The victory also served as a fitting conclusion for two of India’s cricketing icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both announced their retirement from T20 internationals shortly after the match. Their retirement underscores a pivotal moment in Indian cricket, paving the way for the next generation of talent to step up.
The win also held special significance for coach Rahul Dravid, for whom this match was his last at the helm. Dravid, who has been steering the Indian team since 2021, was hoisted into the air by jubilant team members in a heartwarming display of affection and respect. The post-match celebrations were a testament to the team’s unbridled joy and camaraderie. Players broke into spontaneous dance routines, among them the energetic Bhangra, led by Arshdeep Singh.
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Arshdeep initiated the Bhangra, captivating the crowd and his teammates. Soon, Virat Kohli joined in, followed by other players, as they danced with unrestrained glee on the iconic Daler Mehndi song, ‘Tunak Tunak Tun.’ Such joyous expressions are rarely seen with the typically reserved Indian cricket team, making the celebration even more poignant.
The joyous scenes continued as the players celebrated their hard-earned victory. Lifting Dravid into the air, singing and dancing on the pitch, the team exuded a sense of relief and achievement. The Bhangra dance led by Arshdeep Singh and joined by Kohli became a viral sensation, encapsulating the essence of their triumph.
Watch the celebration video here:
Related Stories also garnered much attention, with Virat Kohli breaking down in tears during a video call after the team’s victory and expressing his emotions over the phone. Rohit Sharma’s farewell to T20Is was another tearful moment as the man who led India to T20 World Cup 2024 glory bid adieu to the shortest format of the game. MS Dhoni also conveyed a heartfelt message to the team, thanking them for what he termed as a “priceless birthday gift.”
As the focus now shifts towards the future, India’s young brigade is gearing up to take over the mantle in T20 internationals. Their journey begins with a series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 6, marking the dawn of a new era for Indian T20 cricket.
India’s dramatic win and the subsequent festive atmosphere highlight not only the importance of the victory but also the camaraderie and joy it brought to the team and its supporters. The 11-year wait for an ICC trophy is over, and this victory will be remembered as a historic milestone in Indian cricket, reflecting the skill, determination, and unity of the team.
