India ended their 11-year-old drought of an ICC title earlier this year when they beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. India became the first team in the history to go on to lift the trophy undefeated. However, there were moments in the summit clash when it looked like there would be another heartbreak for Team India especially when the opposition needed 30 runs to win off 30 balls with 6 wickets in hand.
Even though India eventually ended up winning the match by 7 runs, after the match players from the winning side admitted that they thought that the match had slipped away with two set batters out in the middle.
T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma shared a never-heard-before story from the final while talking to Kapil Sharma on his show. He revealed that it might have been a Rishabh Pant tactic that helped India make a comeback.
"Rishabh Pant's strategic thinking during a crucial moment in a match may have played a key role in their victory. When the team needed 30 runs off 30 balls, a short break occurred. Pant cleverly used this time to disrupt the batsman’s rhythm by pretending to be injured, which slowed down the game. This tactical move could be considered a significant factor in the win," Rohit said.
"I was busy adjusting the field, Heinrich Klaasen was waiting on strike. And then I suddenly saw Rishabh lying flat. I can’t say that break actually did the job but Pant did apply his brain and we benefitted from it," he added.
Captain Rohit Sharma revealed the untold story of Rishabh Pant when India needed to defend 30 runs in 30 balls. Two Brothers ! 🥺❤️
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 (@IamHydro45_) October 5, 2024
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Rohit, who retired from T20Is after the World Cup, led the team to an emphatic 2-0 win over Bangladesh. The manner in which he inspired the team to go for a result in Kanpur has attracted everyone's attention. With Rohit at the helm, India will start as one of the favourites to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
