Two of India’s greatest ever cricketer – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – announced their T20I retirement on Saturday, after the side’s second T20 World Cup win. While Kohli announced his retirement minutes after the triumph, India captain Rohit Sharma announced it in the official post match press conference.  Rohit, who played a crucial role in India’s triumphant campaign, confirmed that he would continue to represent India in ODIs and Tests.

Rohit, whose searing 41-ball 92-run knock in the Super 8s clash against Australia would be remembered for years to come, said he was ‘desperate’ for the title.

“This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It’s very hard to put in words,” Rohit told the post-match press conference after ending India’s over-a-decade long title drought. “This what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time,” he added.

His announcement came on the heels of India’s second T20 World Cup title, a victory that brought immense joy and pride to the nation.

His retirement marks the end of an illustrious T20I career during which he became the format’s highest scorer, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name. His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win. Now, as captain, he has led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.

The final match against South Africa was a nail-biter, with India defending a target of 176 runs. The Proteas, needing 30 runs from the last 30 deliveries, appeared to have the upper hand. However, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve in the crucial moments. Pandya, in particular, shone in the final over, successfully defending 16 runs and sealing a dramatic seven-run victory for India.

This triumph was particularly special for Rohit, who had experienced both highs and lows in his cricketing career. The win was a testament to his leadership, resilience, and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his journey, Sharma said, “I’ve loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the cup.”

His retirement follows that of his long-time teammate, Virat Kohli, who also announced his departure from T20 internationals after the World Cup. Together, Sharma and Kohli have been pillars of Indian cricket, their contributions instrumental in numerous victories over the years.

With IANS and PTI inputs

 India captain Rohit Sharma lifted the ICC T20 World Cup hero, Hardik Pandya, who was in tears after defending 16 runs in the final over following Men in Blue’s T20 World Cup triumph. India lifted the T20 WC trophy for the second time, defeating South Africa by just seven runs. The atmosphere at the Kensington Oval in Barbados showed the importance of this victory for the Indian team and its passionate fans, combining celebration and raw emotion.

The captain of India Rohit collapsed to the ground as the last wicket fell, sealing the victory. Head coach Rahul Dravid celebrated by jumping out of his chair, expressing the relief and joy that millions of Indian fans across the world were feeling. With the much-awaited win, India won the T20 World Cup twice, joining the West Indies and England.

After the victory, Rohit kissed Hardik on the cheek as the emotional all-rounder was speaking after the match.

Hardik Pandya Rohit Sharma #T20WorldCup2024 #T20IWorldCup #T20IWorldCup #India pic.twitter.com/7WX1pmmguz

— Sandhya Reddy YSCRP (@SandhyaSamayam) June 29, 2024

Rohit Sharma kissing Hardik Pandya after the win. pic.twitter.com/DoGUsbJaWG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 29, 2024

Rohit just kissed Hardik on air pic.twitter.com/BAYo6FM4KP

— Un-Lucky (@Luckyytweets) June 29, 2024

Hardik, who has recently come under intense scrutiny and criticism, was seen crying as he took in the enormity of the occasion. Hardik’s journey, from being criticised public figure to winning a World Cup, is the perfect example of perseverance and atonement. His happy tears were the fruition of years of diligence and determination.

Despite being trolled mercilessly during the Indian Premier League, on a personal and professional level, he produced what may have been the World Cup-winning moment when he removed Heinrich Klaasen. South Africa required 30 off 30 at that point.

“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’d been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, is how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them,” Hardik said in a post-match presentation.

“Credit to Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed the pressure. Very happy for him (Dravid), he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, and to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and become friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” he added.

The stadium had an electrifying atmosphere. Drenched with excitement, the Indian players poured onto the pitch to join in on the festivities as the dugout emptied. A loud cacophony rippled throughout the stadium as the audience let forth their roars. Meanwhile fro South Africa it was another heartbreak.

The Indian cricket team ended their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy after they defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 29, 2024. India and South Africa named an unchanged playing XI after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. India got off to a flying start as openers Rohit and Virat Kohli added 23 runs before Keshav Maharaj removed the Indian captain (9) in the second over.

The Men in Blue then suffered massive blows as Rishabh Pant (0) and Suryakumar Yadav (3) departed in quick succession.

Kohli (76) later stitched crucial partnerships with Axar Patel (47) and Shivam Dube (27) to propel India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.

Defending 176, Jasprit Bumrah provided India an early breakthrough as he cleaned up Reeza Hendricks (4) with a sensational delivery.

Arshdeep Singh later bagged the huge wicket of captain Aiden Markram (4) to reduce South Africa to 12/2.

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock (39) and Tristan Stubbs (31) then stitched a crucial 58-run stand to bring the Proteas back into the game.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel ended the partnership as he castled Stubbs (31) before Arshdeep removed de Kock (39).

Batting at No.5, Heinrich Klaasen later slammed a blitzkrieg fifty to put South Africa in a great position.

However, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen (52) in the 17th over to change the fortune in India’s favour.

At the other end, Bumrah continued his brilliant spell as he removed Marco Jansen (2).

As South Africa needed 16 off the final over, Pandya bagged the huge wicket of David Miller (21) courtesy of an incredible catch by Suryakumar Yadav.

Pandya later kept his calm to guide India to their second T20 World Cup title.

With a nail-biting win, we take a look at five points that helped India clinch the T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Jasprit Bumrah’s match-defining spell

Jasprit Bumrah produced a spell for the ages to help India clinch their second T20 World Cup title after 17 years. With 30 required off 30 balls, Rohit Sharma once again showed his faith in Bumrah. The India’s bowling spearhead responded as he conceded just four runs in the 16th over and later gave away only two runs in the 18th over including picking up Jansen’s wicket to pull things for the Men in Blue. Bumrah ended with figures of 4-0-18-2 to guide India to the coveted title.

Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Suryakumar Yadav took a breathtaking catch in the final over of the T20 World Cup 2024 final as he played a pivotal role in helping India clinch the title. As South Africa needed 16 off the final six deliveries, Pandya removed the dangerous David Miller after he miscued a huge hit over long off. Suryakumar later produced an incredible fielding effort to help dismiss Miller and claim a crucial wicket.

Axar Patel’s all-round effort

Axar Patel was one of the standout performers for India in their thrilling win over South Africa. Reeling at 34/3, Axar stitched an important partnership with Kohli to bring India back into the game. Axar and Kohli forged a 72-run stand for the fourth wicket before he departed in an unfortunate run-out. The southpaw scored 47 off 31 balls, laced with one four and four sixes. Later, Axar also contributed with the bowl and claimed the huge wicket of Tristan Stubbs.

Virat Kohli’s match-winning fifty

Virat Kohli played another match-winning knock as he helped India post a fighting total at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. While Kohli was short on runs heading into the final, the Indian talisman once again rose to the occasion when the team needed the most. After India were reduced to 34/3, Kohli established important partnerships with Axar and Dube to guide India to over 170. Kohli scored 59-ball 76 which included six fours and two sixes.

Hardik Pandya’s crucial spell

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya provided India with crucial breakthroughs throughout the match to help them defend 176 against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. After the Indian spin duo of Axar Patel (1/49) and Kuldeep Yadav (0/45) were expensive on the day, the Rohit Sharma-led side needed someone to step up with the ball. Hardik was given the responsibility and he grabbed it with both hands. The right-arm pacer first bagged the massive wicket of Heinrich Klaasen and later removed David Miller and Kagiso Rabada in the final over of the game to finish with figures of 3-0-20-3. Hardik’s impressive spell was one of the standout performances that guided India to their second T20 World Cup title after 17 years.

Suryakumar Yadav in action for India during T20 World Cup 2024 final© X (formerly Twitter)

India scored a record-high total in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa with Virat Kohli playing the lead role. Talismanic batterKohli stepped up to the plate, ending his lean patch with a 59-ball 76 to help India post a competitive 176/7 against South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval here on Saturday.

On a dry and slow pitch, South Africa made early inroads by picking three quick wickets. But Kohli stood up to be at the centre of India’s innings, despite a middle-overs slowdown, with his crucial knock laced with six fours and two sixes, as they posted the highest total in a Men’s T20 World Cup final.

It was a knock in which Kohli scored more than what his first seven innings in the tournament yielded (75 runs). His 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel, who made 47 off 31 balls, and a 57-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who hit a 16-ball 27, helped India go past the 175-run mark, as they hammered 42 runs off the last three overs.

Kohli got India going with three boundaries – drive through point, whip through square leg, and straight drive – on overpitched deliveries from Marco Jansen, as 15 runs came off the opening over. Rohit Sharma cut and reverse-swept for consecutive boundaries off Keshav Maharaj.

But Maharaj bounced back as he had Rohit sweeping aerially to square-leg to fall for nine, followed by dismissing Rishabh Pant for a two-ball duck when the top-edge on his sweep off a full and wide ball ballooned off the toe-end to keeper Quinton de Kock.

Pant is now the first Indian batter to fall for 0 in the final of a T20 World Cup. The previous lowest score was 4 by Ajinkya Rahane in the 2014 edition. 

So far, before Pant, five other Indians have been out for 0 in final of World Cups.

Kirti Azad (1983 ODI World Cup)

Mohammad Kaif (2003 ODI World Cup)

Virender Sehwag (2011 ODI World Cup)

MS Dhoni (2013 Champions Trophy)

Rohit Sharma (2017 Champions Trophy)

Rishabh Pant (2024 T20 World Cup 2024)

Kagiso Rabada struck in the fifth over when Suryakumar Yadav moved across to whip a back-of-a-length ball, but fine leg advanced to his left and took a spectacular catch, ending his stay on just three, as India were reduced to 34/3 in 4.3 overs.

With Kohli taking up the busy strike-rotation role in rebuilding India’s innings, pinch-hitter Axar took up the attacking mantle by clipping Rabada for four, clearing deep mid-wicket to get a six off Markram, slog-sweeping Maharaj for a maximum over the same region and hitting a flat six down on one knee to just clear long-on for a six off Tabraiz Shamsi.

Axar brought up India’s hundred in 13.1 overs by hammering Rabada for a six down the ground. But a ball and wide later, South Africa produced a moment of magic when Kohli missed a delivery and the ball went behind to de Kock, who ran out Axar, who turned back and ran slowly, with a direct hit and sent him back for 47.

With Kohli still finding fielders and not getting timing to hit boundaries, Dube lofted Jansen for six and then slog-sweep Shamsi for four more. After Kohli got his first fifty of this tournament, in 48 balls with a single off Nortje, Dube ended the 17th over with a slice past the backward point for four.

Kohli got his first six of the competition by slogging Rabada over long-on and then pulled the pacer for four more, as 16 runs came off the 18th over. Kohli clipped and slogged Jansen for four and six respectively, before the pacer dragged his length back and had the batter holing out to long-on.

Hardik Pandya came in and top-edged a pull off Jansen over the keeper’s head for four, as 17 runs came off the 19th over. Dube struck Nortje down the ground past a diving mid-on for four, before the pacer bounced back by taking out him and Ravindra Jadeja on the last three balls of the innings to keep India four runs below 180.

Virat Kohli was guarded in his approach while Axar Patel was the enforcer as India recovered from early jitters to post 176 for 7 against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday. At 34 for three, India were staring at another batting failure in a big final before Axar (47 off 31) and Kohli (76 off 59) turned the tide for them. Axar was run out in an unfortunate manner, completely against the run of play, which brought about an end to his 72-run partnership off 54 balls with Kohli. Kohli did slow down considerably in the middle overs to bring up his first 50 off the tournament with 48 balls.

– 72* (44) in the 2014 Semi Final.

– 77 (58) in the 2014 Final.

– 89* (47) in the 2016 Semi Final.

– 50 (40) in the 2022 Semi Final.

– 78 (59) in the 2024 Final.

VIRAT KOHLI – THE MAN FOR BIG STAGES…!!!! pic.twitter.com/sJYm8IRgej

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2024

Rohit Sharma (9) had no hesitation in batting first at Kensington Oval where the pitch has not been the easiest to bat on through the competition.

Virat Kohli in the world cup finals pic.twitter.com/ICVYd3GQAO

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 29, 2024

The Indian captain, coming from two back to back match winning efforts, departed early after collecting couple of consecutive fours off Keshav Maharaj in the second over of the game.

Always the KINGGGGG

well done @imVkohli

#INDvSA #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter

— DK (@DineshKarthik) June 29, 2024

Maharaj responded well by having Rohit caught at square leg as the batter went for a sweep. Rohit and incoming batter Rishabh Pant both fell to the sweep shot.

Came in as hope for 1.3 billion and left making 1.3 billion hearts happy.

That’s Virat Kohli for you. pic.twitter.com/d0tiqbh5lW

— Kevin (@imkevin149) June 29, 2024

The tension in the Indian camp increased when Suryakumar Yadav, who has also been in good touch like Rohit, was caught at fine-leg after not getting enough from his pick up shot off Rabada, leaving India with three down inside the powerplay.

At 45 for three in six overs, it was the slowest powerplay for India in the Caribbean leg.

Watching wickets tumble at the other end, Kohli, who hit three elegant boundaries off Marco Jansen in opening over of the final, shifted gears during the middle overs and let Axar come up with an odd boundary.

Such was the nature of Kohli’s knock that his first big hit after the powerplay, a straight six off Rabada, came in the 18th over Axar, on the other hand, potentially played the innings of his T20 career and negotiated the South African spinners effectively, collecting a six each from Aiden Markram, Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. However, the highlight of his special knock was the straight six through the line off Rabada.

Between 7-15 overs, India mustered 72 with the loss of Axar who fell to a direct hit from keeper Quinton de Kock at the non striker’s end. Kohli was pushing for a single off a rising ball from Rabada and de Kock with a clean one handed pick up, hit the bulls eye.

Shivam Dube (27 off 16), who came into the middle before the start of death overs, delivered a few timely blows to prop up the total.

Kohli also dropped anchor to smash a couple of sixes in the last five overs from which India collected 58 runs with the loss of three wickets. 

India vs South Africa Live Streaming T20 World Cup Final Live Telecast: India take on South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on Saturday. The Rohit Sharma-led side has been impressive with the competition till now with comfortable victories over tough opponents like Pakistan and Australia. On the other hand, South Africa are also unbeaten in the competition (like India) and this is the first time that they have ever qualified for a World Cup final in their cricketing history.

When will the India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match be played?

The India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match will be played on Saturday, June 29.

Where will the India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match be played?

The India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match will be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

What time will the India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match start?

The India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match will start at 8 PM IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match?

The India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final match?

The India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final will be streamed on Disney+Hotstar (Free for mobile users).

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

India: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi. 

File image of Rohit Sharma at the 2024 T20 World Cup.© AFP

India vs South Africa Live: Squads –

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Ryan Rickelton

The entire country is looking forward to Saturday when team India meet South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. India will be looking to end their 13-year trophy drought whereas the Proteas will be hoping to win their first-ever ICC tournament. The South African team is making its first-ever appearance in the final of an ICC tournament whereas India will be hoping to look past the ghosts of the last ten years and hopefully win their first-ever trophy. Many have labelled the South African team as ‘chokers’ for their previous inability to make the finals of the tournament whereas Indian fans have also had experience with the word given their loss against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, 1983 World Cup-winning all-rounder Kirti Azad has stated what India’s game plan needs to be like in the final.

“It is very difficult to talk about South Africa as it is their first time in the final of any ICC tournament. They were even called ‘chokers’ as they used to always choke in the semi-finals which is why it will be difficult to predict, to say how they will perform in the final. But yes they will give it their best to win and India have to be careful to not get too complacent and we don’t end up choking the game. The hope will be that we put up a good score,” he said.

“As we saw the pitches last time out in the semifinals, the ball was not bouncing too much and staying low. We will have to be careful and give them a good target. South Africa ko choke karaana hoga (We will have to get South Africa to choke),” Azad told IANS.

The Indian bowling attack has been brilliant from the very first game with Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah having been the stars of the tournament. Their stellar performances were in the spotlight in the semi-finals as they restricted the English batsman from chasing the 171-run target and bundled their opponents out for 103. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets each whereas Bumrah added two wickets to his name.

Rohit Sharma is also a very important player for the side as the Indian skipper has scored 248 runs for his team throughout the tournament making him the third-highest run-getter in this edition.

“I had full belief that the way the Indian team is, we will perform well and win the World Cup. The performance by all players have been top-notch, especially the bowlers in the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have been bowling well. India’s bowling attack is second to none. The biggest plus point for our side is the way Rohit is batting,” added the 1983 World Cup winner.

Rohit Sharma was named the captain of the Indian national team in 2022. Since his appointment, he has lost the 2022 T20 WC semi-finals, the 2023 WTC finals and the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The 34-year-old will be hoping to end his bad luck in the final and hopefully lead India to their second T20 World Cup trophy.

“All captains have performed well. If you look at Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India won a lot of series during his tenure that they had not won before. Every captain has his own style, Rohit is the captain currently and he is doing well so I wish him all the best and hope they win the final,” concluded the former all-rounder.