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

Sharma Credits Patel's Game-Changing Knock in T20 World Cup Victory

Following India's momentous triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma, in his farewell to T20Is, has highlighted the pivotal contribution of a specific player in their final victory against South Africa.

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 acknowledged his team's resilience, pinpointing Axar Patel as the 'game changer' in the tense final, despite acknowledging Virat Kohli’s efforts. 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 marked their first T20 World Cup win since the inaugural edition in 2007, and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

India, batting first in the high-pressure match, scored 176/7, with contributions from Kohli and a counter-attacking innings by Patel. South Africa, despite a promising start, fell short in the chase, ending at 169/8.

Sharma reflected on the final, stating, "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 vital 47 runs from 31 balls, which included crucial boundaries, swung the momentum in India’s favor when the team was struggling. His partnership with Kohli helped stabilize the innings, setting the stage for Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to add the finishing touches.

Sharma also praised Kohli’s anchoring role: "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 76 from 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. The bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, successfully defended the total, ending India’s trophy drought in global tournaments.

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