After 17-long-years, in a thrilling final, India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs to win the T20 World Cup on June 29, 2024, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. It is India’s second T20 World Cup victory, the first being the inaugural tournament in 2007, and its first World Cup victory in any format since winning the 50-over competition in 2011.
A jubilant Indian Captain, Rohit Sharma, received the World Cup from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair, Greg Barclay, and Bureau of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Honorary Secretary-General, and ICC Director, Jay Shah as team members and spectators at the stadium celebrated the historic moment.
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, and Jasprit Bumrah earned the title of the Player of the Series.
“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is exactly what we wanted to achieve” said an emotional Kohli, a former Indian cricket team captain, while announcing his retirement from the T20 International. “It is time for the new generation to come through for India now.”
“I am someone who tries to keep my emotions in check, but the emotions are taking over right now. This is such a special feeling,” expressed Bumrah, who was visibly emotional as well.
When asked about Kohli’s strong batting performance, Sharma said, “We know the quality that he has, he’s been on top of his game for last 15 years. So, come the occasion, we know big players will stand up. Virat was obviously holding that one and which was very, very crucial for us.”
Speaking about Bumrah’s bowling magic, Sharma recollected, “I have been someone who has seen him for so many years playing alongside me.”
He simultaneously expressed surprise about Bumrah’s ability to deliver whenever there is pressure on the team, adding, “Even I don’t know what exactly is with him. I know exactly what he brings to the table. But how he does that, it is just masterclass to be honest… whatever he wants to do he executes that to perfection, which is a very rare sight.”
“Hardik was brilliant as well,” noted Sharma acknowledging the pressure Hardik Pandya endured while bowling the last over.
While narrating the team’s journey over the years, Sharma recalled, its “Very hard to sum up what we’ve been through for the last three or four years” while pointing out that the team members have put in a lot of effort both individually and as a team. “A lot has gone behind the scenes for us” to achieve this victory, added Sharma.
Commending the energy and support of the fans “all the way through New York to Barbados” Sharma went on to say, “I just wanted to salute them, to come and support us the way they have. Also back home, millions of people are sitting there watching it. It’s a late night in India…”
After a hard-fought loss, South African Captain, Aiden Markram said, “It hurts quite a bit. But having said that, still incredibly proud of this group of players and everyone that’s involved in this team… We were worthy finalists, could have won the game today. Unfortunately, didn’t.”
Indian leaders also congratulated Indian team members on social media platforms for winning the World Cup.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on X “Champions! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team. The match was historic.”
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, said “My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup. With the never-say-die spirit, the team sailed through difficult situations and demonstrated outstanding skills throughout the tournament. It was an extraordinary victory in the final match. Well done. Team India! We are proud of you!”
Vice President of BCCI, Rajeev Shukla said “India clinches the T20WorldCup… Well done, Team India” while congratulating the incredible performances by Kohli, Akshar Patel, Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav.
“Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in @T20WorldCup,” said Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, who was a former Indian Captain. “Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024.”
Tendulkar said he was thrilled for his friend Rahul Dravid, the Indian team’s coach. Although he missed out on the 2011 World Cup win, his significant contribution to this T20 World Cup win has been invaluable.
Virendra Sehwag, who was part of India’s winning team during the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup, tweeted “Two unbelievable things that happened in Barbados. Still can’t get over that catch from Surya and so happy for Rahul Dravid to lay his hands on an ICC trophy as coach.”
Congratulating India, former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, in her LinkedIn post said, “It was a nail biter till the end, and India ultimately prevailed and won the World Cup,” adding “The performance of the Indian bowlers throughout the match, but particularly in the last 5 overs, was nothing short of spectacular.”
