Sharma Hails Patel's Game-Changing Innings in India's T20 World Cup Triumph

Sharma Credits Patel's Crucial Knock in T20 World Cup Triumph

Following India's momentous victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma has highlighted the pivotal role played by Axar Patel in securing the win against South Africa in the final.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrating the victory in the T20 World Cup final over South Africa (Image by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Speaking to Star Sports, the Indian captain praised the team's resilience and composure, specifically acknowledging Patel's game-changing contribution.

While Virat Kohli received accolades, it was Axar Patel whose innings was considered the "game changer" in the tense final. India defeated South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC title. This victory marked their first T20 World Cup title since 2007 and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

India, batting first in the high-pressure match, posted 176/7. Kohli's steady innings and Patel's aggressive counterattack in the middle overs were instrumental. South Africa, despite a promising start, fell short, finishing at 169/8 in a nail-biting chase.

Reflecting on the final, Sharma noted, "Not many people are talking about his (Axar's) knock. But, that knock was a game changer. To get 47 off 31 in that time was very very crucial."

Patel’s crucial innings of 47 runs off 31 balls, punctuated by timely boundaries, shifted the momentum in India’s favor when the team was struggling. His partnership with Kohli provided much-needed stability before Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube added the finishing touches.

Sharma also lauded Kohli’s anchoring role, stating, "And then obviously we needed one guy to stick around. Virat did that job perfectly. Batted the entire innings throughout, which was really good, because Shivam, Axar, Hardik, they can come and play their role."

Kohli’s significant contribution of 76 runs from 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. The bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, successfully defended the total, bringing an end to India’s trophy drought in major global tournaments.