The T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa on June 29, 2024, was a nail-biting affair that saw India emerge victorious, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC title. In a recent interview, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, revisited a crucial moment in the game, highlighting Rishabh Pant's quick thinking and presence of mind.
During South Africa's chase, with 30 runs needed off 30 balls, Heinrich Klaasen had just taken Axar Patel for 24 runs in the 15th over, shifting the momentum. Just as it seemed South Africa was gaining control, Pant suddenly went down, signaling discomfort in his knee. This prompted a break in play, which, as Sharma revealed, was a strategic move by Pant to disrupt the opposition's rhythm.
Sharma admitted that he, too, was initially fooled by Pant's actions. Given Pant's history with a serious car accident, Sharma genuinely thought something was wrong. He recalled discussing strategy with Hardik Pandya, who was about to bowl, when he noticed Pant calling for the physio. It was only later that Sharma realized Pant's "injury" was a clever tactic to slow the game down and break South Africa's momentum.
Sharma lauded Pant for using his "smarts" to help the team. He explained that the game was fast-paced, and at that moment, the batters wanted the ball to be bowled quickly. The break allowed India to regroup and reset. Hardik Pandya then dismissed Klaasen in the following over, a turning point that shifted the game's trajectory in India's favor.
Pant's clever ploy wasn't just about disrupting the momentum; it was about injecting a pause in a high-pressure situation, allowing the Indian team to regain composure. Sharma was setting the field and talking to the bowlers when Pant fell, and the physio's arrival further slowed things down, giving the team valuable time to strategize.
The T20 World Cup victory was especially significant for India, who had been close to winning several ICC titles but had always fallen short. Sharma confessed to feeling the pressure before the final, admitting he "couldn't feel my legs" the night before due to nerves. He acknowledged the team's past heartbreaks, which made this win all the more special.
Reflecting on Pant's strategic pause, Sharma emphasized that it wasn't just skill that won India the final but also presence of mind and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Pant's quick thinking will be remembered as one of the most crucial moments in India's title-winning campaign.
