India’s cricket team secured the T20 World Cup title, triumphing over South Africa in a historic and thrilling final held in Barbados. This victory marked India’s first T20 World Cup win in 13 years and was especially significant as it coincided with the retirement of several key players and a shift in the team’s direction.
Notable Player Retirements
The win was filled with emotion as iconic players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals. Shortly after, Ravindra Jadeja also declared his retirement from T20Is. However, all three legends will continue to play other forms of cricket. These retirements signify a major transition for the team. Additionally, the final marked the last game for Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian team, signaling a forthcoming new era focused on developing the next generation of players.
Widespread Acclaim and Rewards
The Indian team’s achievement was widely celebrated, with accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. In recognition of the team’s outstanding performance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a substantial prize of Rs. 125 crore.
Pivotal Match Highlights
The final match saw India in a precarious position as South Africa approached their target, needing only 30 runs from 30 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, key performances from Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya turned the game in India’s favor, culminating in a final score of 169-8. Captain Rohit Sharma praised his team’s resilience and determination, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure and maintain cohesion in challenging situations.
This victory in the T20 World Cup is a monumental achievement for Indian cricket, marking the beginning of a period of transformation and renewal.
Complete List of T20 World Cup Champions and Finalists
EDITION | HOST NATION | WINNERS | RUNNER-UPS |
2007 | South Africa | India | Pakistan |
2009 | England | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
2010 | West Indies | England | Australia |
2012 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Sri Lanka |
2014 | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | India |
2016 | India | West Indies | England |
2021 | UAE and Oman | Australia | New Zealand |
2022 | Australia | England | Pakistan |
2024 | USA and West Indies | India | South Africa |