Axar Patel's Game-Changing Innings Key to India's T20 World Cup Victory, Says Rohit Sharma

Sharma Credits Patel's Crucial Knock as Key to T20 World Cup Triumph

Following India's momentous victory in 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 T20 World Cup win.

In an interview, the Indian captain acknowledged the team's resilience and composure but emphasized Patel's game-changing contribution. While Virat Kohli received praise for his steady innings, Sharma identified Patel's counter-attacking knock as the decisive factor. India's triumph at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title. This victory marked their first T20 World Cup title since the inaugural edition in 2007 and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

India, batting first in the high-pressure final, posted a total of 176/7. Kohli's composed innings and Patel's vital counterattack in the middle overs were instrumental in setting the score. Despite a strong start, South Africa fell short in the chase, finishing at 169/8.

Reflecting on the match, 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."

Patel's crucial innings of 47 runs off 31 balls, which included timely boundaries during a period when India was struggling, significantly shifted the momentum. His partnership with Kohli stabilized the innings, setting the stage for Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to provide the finishing touches.

Sharma also lauded Kohli's anchoring role, 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 contribution of 76 runs from 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, held their nerve in the final overs to secure the long-awaited ICC title, ending India's trophy drought in major tournaments.