Bridgetown, Barbados: June 30, 2024 – The Kensington Oval witnessed a night etched permanently in cricketing folklore. After a nail-biting final against South Africa, India emerged victorious in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing their second title and ending an 11-year trophy drought. The win was as dramatic as it was emotional, marked by phenomenal on-field performances and the bittersweet farewell of two Indian cricketing legends – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
A Night of High Drama: India vs South Africa Clash
The final itself was a nerve-wracking rollercoaster. Batting first, India set a competitive target of 176 runs. Virat Kohli, with a gritty 76, led the charge. Chasing a seemingly achievable total, South Africa looked poised for victory with David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen at the crease. However, India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by the fiery Jasprit Bumrah and the young gun Arshdeep Singh, rose to the occasion, snatching crucial wickets in the death overs. When the final ball was bowled, India emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 7 runs, sparking a wave of euphoria amongst the players and a contingent of ecstatic Indian fans.
Tears of Joy and a Fitting Farewell for Legends
The final whistle unleashed a torrent of emotions. Rohit Sharma, visibly burdened by years of near misses in major tournaments, collapsed to the ground in relief. “Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies,” tweeted Sachin Tendulkar, echoing the sentiment of many fans. For Sharma, this win represented not just a team triumph, but a personal redemption. Virat Kohli, already announced his retirement from T20I cricket before the final, celebrated with a newfound freedom. His match-winning knock and emotional farewell marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. “Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams,” tweeted Yuvraj Singh, summing up the emotions of millions.
Team Effort Secures World Cup Glory
This victory wasn’t solely about individual brilliance, but a testament to the collective strength of the Indian team. From the leadership of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid to the fighting spirit of young stars like Rishabh Pant, who defied all odds after a near-fatal accident last year, every member of the squad played a crucial role. Hardik Pandya, once a target for criticism, silenced his doubters with his all-round performance, earning him the prestigious Player of the Match award. Jasprit Bumrah, back from injury and bowling with fiery pace, was rightfully named Player of the Series for his incredible haul of wickets throughout the tournament. “I think Bumrah is the greatest ever White ball seam bowler,” tweeted Michael Vaughan, reflecting the widespread admiration for the fast bowler.
Cricket Fraternity Reacts with Tributes and Emotions
Social media buzzed with tributes and reactions from the cricketing fraternity. Former Indian legends like Sachin Tendulkar
Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World… pic.twitter.com/HMievynpsE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)June 29, 2024
MS Dhoni expressed their joy. Yuvraj Singh rejoiced on Twitter:
You did it boys! @hardikpandya7 your a hero ! @Jaspritbumrah93 what an over to bring India back in the game ! Extremely ecstatic for @ImRo45 great captaincy under pressure ! @imVkohli #Rahul Dravid and the whole team#indiavssa #ICCT20WorldCup2024 well played…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 29, 2024
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Two unbelievable things that happened in Barbados.
Still can’t get over that catch from Surya and so happy for Rahul Dravid to lay his hands on an ICC trophy as coach. #T20WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/HrG2lLWaC5— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 29, 2024
Not many sportsmen get to write their own exit script, or time their departure from a game, or format with precision. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have done it to perfection here. Well batted gentleman.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 30, 2024
I think Bumrah is the greatest ever White ball seam bowler ….
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 29, 2024
Congratulations to Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid on winning the #T20IWorldCup
Unbeaten throughout this tournament, I can see this being a trend in World Cups for some time to come! #INDvSA— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 29, 2024
Great players rise above others in crunch situations. @imVkohli Played a magnificent knock (no doubt) but the two overs from @Jaspritbumrah93 at the end was pure World Cup winner. Congratulations Team India and @ImRo45 @cricketworldcup #Champions pic.twitter.com/K3tFTDQ7Ot
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 29, 2024
Congratulations India on a memorable win. @ImRo45 fully deserves it, he has been an exceptional leader. @imVkohli as always a big match player and Bumrah is undoubtedly the best bowler in the world right now. Hard luck @OfficialProteas , a great fight by a team that played…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 29, 2024
Huge congratulations to @imVkohli on an incredible career What a way to sign off from T20 cricket, with a match-winning knock in the #T20WorldCup final. Your dedication, passion & brilliance have inspired generations. Keep rocking the GAME in ODI and Test cricket, Virat … pic.twitter.com/Hm95OE4fmB
— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) June 29, 2024
Great win for Team India with every player rising to the ocassion and not to forget Rahul and the support staff for the fabulous work they have done behind the scenes. A day of fulfillment when all the effort bears fruit. #T20IWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eaLYb0Ql8k
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 29, 2024
What a way to finish
Two of the greatest ever to play @imVkohli @ImRo45
What a grand farewell ending . Couldn’t get better
#T20WorldCup #ViratKohli #T20WorldCup2024 #RohitSharma #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EGCQLhODmX— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 29, 2024
This one is so so painful
We tried… we failed… we will get back up and try again next time!
It’s an honour to be able to represent our country and be a part of this amazing team
Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and lived every moment with us pic.twitter.com/GfyQUvHEbe— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) June 29, 2024