Mumbai - Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his exceptional bowling in the last over during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, held in Barbados. India secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by seven runs.
The Indian team clinched the prestigious T20 World Cup trophy for the second time, defeating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados on June 29. Following this triumphant win, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game.
At a celebratory event at Wankhede Stadium, Rohit expressed his heartfelt emotions. "This trophy is for the whole country. Along with all the players representing the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans who have waited for it for 11 years," said the Mumbai-born cricketer. He also praised the audience present at the Wankhede Stadium and thanked them for their unwavering support.
"Mumbai never disappoints. We got a great welcome. On behalf of the team, we want to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved," Rohit added.
He reserved special praise for Hardik Pandya, who bowled the crucial final over. "Hardik was bowling the last over for us. Hats off to him for bowling the last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always a lot of pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him," said Rohit.
Pandya played a pivotal role in the final, taking crucial wickets and performing admirably with both bat and ball. He scored 144 runs with a strike rate of over 150 and took 11 wickets throughout the tournament.
Rohit Sharma, who retired with 4231 runs in 159 matches, is the highest scorer in T20 Internationals and holds the record for most centuries (five) in this format. He has won two T20 World Cups: the first as a player in 2007 and the current one as captain.
The Indian team received a rousing welcome during their victory parade from Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium. Fans lined the streets, clapping and cheering, while players responded with smiles and waves. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showcased the T20 World Cup trophy to the jubilant fans. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Vice President Rajiv Shukla accompanied the team on the bus, with players draped in the tricolor.
Some fans even climbed trees to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Rohit, along with head coach Rahul Dravid and batsman Suryakumar Yadav, acknowledged the fans' support with folded hands towards the sky. The victory parade concluded with a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, celebrating the team's remarkable achievement.
