Axar Patel's Crucial Innings Hailed by Rohit Sharma as Key to India's T20 World Cup Triumph

Sharma Credits Patel's Knock as Decisive 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 key player in their final victory against South Africa.

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

Speaking to Star Sports, the Indian captain praised the team's resilience and composure. While Virat Kohli received accolades, Axar Patel was singled out as the 'game changer' in the tense 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 Cup title since the inaugural edition in 2007 and their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

India, batting first, posted a total of 176/7, with a steady innings from Kohli and a vital counter-attacking knock from Patel in the middle overs. South Africa, despite a promising start, fell short in a nail-biting chase, finishing at 169/8.

Reflecting on the final, 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 crucial 47 runs off 31 balls, which included timely boundaries when India was struggling, shifted the momentum. His partnership with Kohli stabilized the innings, setting the stage for Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to provide the final flourish.

Sharma also commended Kohli for anchoring the innings: "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 off 59 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. The bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, held their composure in the final overs, securing the long-awaited ICC title and ending India’s trophy drought in global tournaments.

Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu’s inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.