June 29, 2025, marks the first anniversary of India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, a day etched in the memories of players and fans alike. Social media is abuzz with celebratory posts, reliving the historic win against South Africa in Barbados. The victory ended India's 11-year drought for an ICC trophy, making it only their second T20 World Cup title.
Key players, including captain Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, have shared their emotions on social media, expressing the significance of the win. Rohit Sharma posted a sentimental video montage on Instagram, capturing moments from the victory. The video included images of him overcome with emotion after the final ball, lifting the trophy with his family, and celebrating with teammates like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. In a voice-over from India's victory parade, Rohit is heard saying, "This trophy, of course, it means a lot to us, but it's for the entire nation". His post also featured teammates such as Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah, with clips of him dancing alongside Kohli.
Hardik Pandya echoed similar sentiments, sharing a video and captioning it, "A day I'll never forget. A day we'll never forget. For all of us, India". Suryakumar Yadav, known for his game-changing catch, also shared his memories on Instagram, dedicating the win to the fans who stood strong behind the team.
The final against South Africa was a nail-biting affair. South Africa needed 30 runs from 30 balls, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller at the crease. The Indian team held their nerve to win by seven runs. The victory sparked celebrations across India, with fans and former players joining in the jubilation.
Reflecting on the night before the final, Rohit Sharma shared his sleeplessness and anticipation in an interview with Star Sports. He spoke of the immense pressure and his determination to win, stating, "13 years is a lot of time. People don't have a career of 13 years. So, to wait for that long to win the World Cup...the last World Cup that I won was in 2007".
The 2024 T20 World Cup victory was more than just a win; it was a moment of national pride and unity. The celebrations, including the open bus parade in Mumbai and the cheers at Wankhede Stadium, showcased the passion and love for cricket in India. Social media is filled with tributes, fan art, and reposts of Rohit Sharma's speech, highlighting the emotional connection fans have with the team and their achievement.
