Sharma Hails Axar Patel's Game-Changing Knock in T20 World Cup Final

Rohit Sharma Credits Key Player for T20 World Cup Victory

Following India's momentous triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma has highlighted the crucial contribution of a particular player who significantly influenced their final victory against South Africa.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrating the T20 World Cup victory.

Speaking to Star Sports, the Indian captain praised his team's resilience and composure, specifically acknowledging Axar Patel as the 'game changer' in the intense final. India's victory over South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title. This win marked their first T20 World Champions title since 2007 and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

In a high-pressure situation, India batted first and scored 176/7, with Virat Kohli providing a steady foundation and Axar Patel launching a vital counterattack in the middle overs. Despite a promising start, South Africa fell short in their chase, finishing at 169/8.

Reflecting on the final, Rohit Sharma stated, "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."

Axar's contribution of 47 runs from 31 balls, which included timely boundaries when India was struggling, shifted the momentum in India’s favor. His partnership with Kohli stabilized the innings, paving the way for Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to add the finishing touches.

Sharma also commended Kohli for his anchoring innings, noting, "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 impressive 76 runs from 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. Furthermore, the bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, maintained their composure in the crucial final overs to secure the long-awaited ICC title.