India's long 11-year wait for a global title finally ended as Virat Kohli's brilliance and Rohit Sharma's inspiring leadership led the star-studded team to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday, securing their second T20 World Cup trophy.
Kohli, who was also part of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, announced his retirement from the format after being named player of the match for his 76-run innings. Although initially composed, he eventually broke down in tears following the win.
"It's time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we would have lost," Kohli said.
Hardik Pandya, who faced criticism during the IPL after being made captain of the Mumbai Indians, was emotional after a challenging six months. The iconic moment was marked by Rohit Sharma planting a kiss on his cheek.
Captain Sharma, visibly moved, was on his haunches, emotionally drained. His wife Ritika, watching from the stands, was also in tears. The emotional atmosphere touched everyone present in the stadium.
"Very hard to sum up what we have been through for the last 3-4 years...a lot has gone on behind the scenes. It is not today, it is what we have been doing for the last three-four years," Rohit said.
When Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) launched an aggressive assault against the Indian spinners, it seemed South Africa might triumph. However, India clawed back into the game with crucial errors from South Africa.
Ultimately, Hardik Pandya, despite facing criticism for six months, managed to defend 16 runs in the final over, securing India's first ICC trophy since 2013 and their first T20 World Cup crown in the post-IPL era. South Africa ended at 169 for eight in response to India's 176 for seven.
The relief and joy were evident among the Indian team, especially Kohli and Rohit, who may not be around for another T20 World Cup cycle. The victory also served as a fitting farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli (76 off 59) and Axar Patel (47 off 31) played pivotal roles in setting the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
During the high-pressure chase, Indian pacers took two early wickets before a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristan Stubbs (52 off 27) put South Africa back in the game. Klaasen's stunning knock almost derailed India.
Needing a breakthrough, Rohit Sharma chose Axar Patel over lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the 15th over, during which Klaasen hit several boundaries, making the target within reach for South Africa.
With the asking rate reduced, South Africa's inability to stay composed under pressure led to their downfall. They needed 20 runs off the last 12 balls with David Miller and Keshav Maharaj at the crease.
Bumrah, having taken an early wicket, was effective in his final two overs, taking a wicket and conceding only six runs.
In the final over, with 16 runs needed, Suryakumar Yadav's sensational catch at the long-off boundary off Hardik's first ball set India on the path to a thrilling victory.
Earlier, India had recovered from 34 for three to post the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. Axar's unfortunate run-out ended his 72-run partnership with Kohli. Kohli's cautious approach saw him reach his first 50 of the tournament off 48 balls.
Rohit Sharma (9) opted to bat first on a challenging pitch at Kensington Oval. He fell early after hitting consecutive fours off Keshav Maharaj, who then dismissed him with a sweep shot. Rishabh Pant also fell to the sweep shot.
The tension rose as Suryakumar Yadav was caught at fine-leg, leaving India at 45 for three in six overs, their slowest powerplay in the Caribbean leg.
Kohli, having hit three boundaries off Marco Jansen in the first over, shifted gears in the middle overs, allowing Axar to hit occasional boundaries.
Kohli's first big hit after the powerplay, a straight six off Rabada, came in the 18th over. Axar played a significant innings, effectively handling the South African spinners and hitting a six each off Aiden Markram, Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi.
In the final five overs, Kohli hit two more sixes, helping India add 58 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Brief Scores:
India 176/7 (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2-23, Anrich Nortje 2-26) beat South Africa 169/8 (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock 39; Hardik Pandya 3-20, Jasprit Bumrah 2-18) by seven runs
