A Year On: Reliving the T20 World Cup Triumph & Rohit Sharma’s Emotional Journey
Exactly one year has passed since India’s unforgettable victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, held at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. For India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, the memories remain vivid, tinged with the intense emotions of that monumental day. He recently shared insights into the early morning jitters that gripped him on the day of the final, revealing a profound sense of anxiety that began as early as 7 AM. Amidst these pre-match nerves, a specific moment involving wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant during the nail-biting chase resurfaced, unexpectedly triggering distressing recollections of Pant’s horrific accident in late 2022.
The Pivotal Moment: Rishabh Pant’s Strategic Pause
South Africa’s formidable chase of 177 runs was heading into a thrilling climax. With their powerful hitters, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, in full flow, the Proteas were closing in, needing just 26 runs from the final four overs with six wickets still in hand. It was at this critical juncture that Rishabh Pant, making an incredible comeback to the Indian team after a nearly 14-month absence due to his severe road accident injuries, orchestrated a brilliant, instinctive intervention. Though he had registered a duck with the bat in the final, his presence behind the stumps proved invaluable.
Pant strategically signaled to his previously injured knee, prompting a crucial stoppage in play. This unexpected timeout was a masterstroke, designed to disrupt the relentless momentum that South Africa had built up.
Rohit Sharma’s Initial Fear and Subsequent Revelation
Recounting the incident to Star Sports, Rohit Sharma admitted his genuine concern at the time. “See, Hardik (Pandya) has come to bowl there. So, we were discussing with Hardik what to do. I didn’t know what had happened before. I genuinely thought that something had happened to him,” Rohit explained, referencing Pant’s earlier life-threatening accident. The captain’s mind immediately jumped to the possibility of a serious injury, a natural reaction given Pant’s arduous journey back to elite cricket.
However, Rohit soon realized the sheer brilliance of Pant’s tactical acumen. “But actually, it was just to stop the game a little bit,” he clarified, acknowledging Pant’s clever ‘acting’. This pause allowed the Indian team, particularly Hardik Pandya who was about to bowl, a crucial moment to regroup, reassess their strategy, and break the South African batsmen’s rhythm.
The Game-Changing Wicket and Historic Triumph
The strategic timeout orchestrated by Pant proved to be precisely what India needed. Off the very first delivery following the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya delivered a wide ball outside the off-stump, enticing Heinrich Klaasen. The half-centurion fell for the trap, edging the ball directly into the waiting gloves of Rishabh Pant. It was a pivotal wicket that shifted the pendulum back in India’s favour.
From that moment, India clawed their way back, eventually securing a dramatic seven-run victory. This triumph not only sealed the T20 World Cup but also ended India’s arduous 11-year drought for an ICC trophy, a moment of immense relief and euphoria for millions of fans globally.
Rishabh Pant’s Witty Confession
Rohit Sharma had previously lauded Pant’s quick thinking on a public platform, recalling his intelligence during an appearance on the Kapil Sharma Show last year. “We had to break the rhythm. As I was setting the field and talking to bowlers, suddenly I saw Pant fallen on the ground,” Rohit shared. “The physiotherapist had arrived and was taping his knee. Klaasen was waiting for the match to start again… Pant Sahab used his wits and things worked out in our favour.”
Rishabh Pant himself, reflecting on his actions during that high-pressure final, admitted his intentions to Star Sports. “I actually thinking what to do because the momentum had suddenly shifted [in South Africa’s favour], they had scored plenty of runs in 2-3 overs, so I was thinking when will that moment come when we will the World Cup final,” Pant confessed.
He added with a characteristic candour, “I was asking the physio to take time. When Rohit bhai asked if my knee is fine I said, ‘Bhaiya, bas acting kar raha tha’ (Brother, I was just acting all this while). Sometimes you have to do these types of things in matches. I’m not saying it works every time, but it does work sometimes and if it works at that kind of a moment, then nothing like it.” This insight showcases Pant’s maturity and strategic foresight under immense pressure, proving that his contribution to India’s T20 World Cup glory extended far beyond his batting performance.
