India‘s captain Rohit Sharma discussed a key strategic move by keeper-batter Rishabh Pant during a critical moment in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Rohit noted that Pant’s quick thinking helped disrupt the rhythm of the Proteas batters.
Under Rohit’s leadership, India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. With the Proteas needing just 30 runs from the last five overs, Pant took decisive action during a brief pause in play.
On *The Kapil Sharma Show*, alongside teammates Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Dube, Rohit reflected on Pant’s impactful move in the game, stating:
“They had a lot of wickets left and set batters were on the group. We were feeling the tension, we were scared as well, but a captain needs to have a strong face at that moment.”
”No one knows this but when 30 were needed in 30 [26 in 24], there was a small break. Rishabh Pant used his brains and stopped the game, saying he has a niggle in his knee and started taping it,” Rohit said.
“At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he is in flow. We needed to break the rhythm. I was setting the field, talking to the bowler and then I saw Pant on the ground, the physio was there and [Heinrich] Klaasen was waiting for resumption.”
”I’m not saying that was the reason for the win, but it could be. Pant used his brains and we won,” India’s captain in the 2024 T20 World Cup added.
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South Africa lost Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) at the beginning of the 17th over when he edged a delivery from Hardik Pandya and was caught behind by Pant. Klaasen’s dismissal led to a downturn for the Proteas.
In their chase of 177, South Africa ended up at 169-8, with Pandya taking 3 wickets for 20 runs, while Arshdeep and Jasprit Bumrah each claimed two wickets. Earlier, Virat Kohli was India’s top scorer, making 76 runs off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes.
Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant’s performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma spearheaded the Indian team in the 2024 T20 World Cup, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 257 runs in eight innings, averaging 36.71 and boasting a strike rate of 156.71. He delivered an impressive 92 off 41 balls against Australia during the Super 8 match in St. Lucia.
Rishabh Pant, returning to international cricket after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident, had a mixed performance throughout the tournament. He accumulated 171 runs in eight innings, averaging 24.43 with a strike rate of 127.61, but was dismissed for a duck in the final.
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