Sharma Hails Axar Patel's Game-Changing Innings in T20 World Cup Triumph

Sharma Praises Patel's Game-Changing Knock in T20 World Cup Final

Following India's momentous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, Rohit Sharma has acknowledged the pivotal role played by a specific player in their triumph against South Africa.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrating the T20 World Cup win over South Africa.

In an interview, the Indian captain commended his team's resilience under pressure, highlighting Axar Patel's significant contribution to the tense final. While Virat Kohli received accolades, it was Patel who was deemed the "game changer." India's victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, marked the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC title. This win secured their first T20 World Champions title since 2007 and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Batting first, India scored 176/7, bolstered by Kohli's steady innings and Patel's aggressive counterattack. Despite a promising start, South Africa fell short, finishing at 169/8.

Reflecting on the final, Sharma noted, "Not many people are talking about his (Axar's) knock. But, that knock was a game changer. To get 47 off 31 in that time was very very crucial."

Axar’s innings of 47 runs from 31 balls, which included crucial boundaries, shifted the momentum in India’s favor. His partnership with Kohli helped stabilize the innings, setting the stage for Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to add the finishing touches.

Sharma also praised Kohli for his anchoring role, stating, "And then obviously we needed one guy to stick around. Virat did that job perfectly. Batted the entire innings throughout, which was really good, because Shivam, Axar, Hardik, they can come and play their role."

Kohli’s 76 runs from 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. The bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, maintained their composure in the final overs, securing India's long-awaited ICC title and ending their trophy drought in global tournaments.