“Dominant India” has paved its way into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Final, post their triumphant victory over England. Displaying supremacy in every facet of the match, the Men in Blue have outshone their counterparts in batting, bowling, and fielding, thereby registering a comfortable victory with a substantial margin of 68 runs. The stage is now set for them totb take on South Africa in the grand finale, scheduled for this Saturday at the Kensington Oval, South Africa.
However, as the team gears up for the showdown, head coach Rahul Dravid and countless Indian cricket fans worldwide will be thinking about certain considerations. This article aims to delve into these talking points, exploring potential strategies and concerns as we anticipate the thrilling final cricketing spectacle of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
“T20 is a format that brings in a new audience and that has to be a good thing.” – Andrew Flintoff
King Kohli’s Tough Time: A Sign of a Big Comeback?
Kohli’s Storied Journey: From Heroic Beginnings to Current Supremacy
Virat Kohli fondly referred to as the King, has etched his name in the annals of cricketing legends. From a heroic 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup to a daunting 82* a decade later in front of a roaring MCG crowd, his journey has been nothing short of an epic saga. His supremacy over the crease, outshining giants like South Africa and Australia on their home turf, has rightfully earned him the title of one of the game’s greatest batters.
Kohli’s Struggles in the Current T20 World Cup
However, the current edition of the T20 World Cup has presented a different side of King Kohli. Despite a commendable 37 against Bangladesh, we are yet to see the Kohli we know—the master of chase and the demolisher of bowling attacks. His footwork and shot selection seem to have taken a backseat, a surprising turn for a player fresh off a sparkling IPL season.
Legends on the Grand Stage
Yet despair not, for grand stages are often the playgrounds of legends. The cricketing world fondly remembers the spectacular performances of Viv Richards, Imran Khan, De Silva, Ricky Ponting, and MS Dhoni in the World Cup finals. Malinga’s bowling in the 2014 T20 World Cup final is still fresh in our memories. These performances become the stuff of legends, etched forever in the annals of cricket.
The Missing Jewel in Kohli’s Crown
Kohli’s illustrious career, while adorned with numerous accolades, still needs one thing – a memorable World Cup final performance. But as we’ve seen time and again, legends rise when the stakes are high. So, as the T20 World Cup final beckons, we wait anxiously, hoping to see King Kohli’s epic best.
. “Maybe He (Virat Kohli) is saving his best for the final,”- Rohit Sharma, Indian Captain.
Axar Patel: The Silent Warrior
The Strategic Move: Patel’s Inclusion in the World Cup Squad
Axar Patel’s contributions to cricket often fly under the radar despite his consistent performances in international cricket and the IPL. Overshadowed by the brilliance of his rival, Ravindra Jadeja, Patel has typically served as India’s backup choice. However, the World Cup staged in the West Indies and USA, coupled with day games, led to a strategic move by Rohit Sharma to include an extra spinner, bringing Patel into focus.
Patel’s Impactful Performance in the India-Pakistan Match
This decision proved fruitful during the crucial India-Pakistan match. Patel not only bowled an impactful over but also stepped up to bat after the early departure of India’s stalwarts, Sharma and Kohli. Alongside Pant, he steadied the innings and added significant runs, shielding India’s middle order from Pakistan’s formidable pace attack.
The Semi-Final Hero
Moreover, in the semi-final against England, Patel delivered during the challenging PowerPlay phase, dismissing Buttler and effectively crippling England’s batting strength. His haul of three wickets earned him the Man of the Match title. Moving forward, Patel’s role will be pivotal against South Africa, a team known for its adept spin handling, further underlining his importance in the squad.
Rohit Sharma’s Heartfelt Quest for Glory: A Nation’s Hope Rests on His Shoulders
The Hitman’s Journey: Commanding the Crease
In a year, Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the Hitman, has led India to three finals, dominated all formats, and boasted a squad filled with the best players. Yet, the thirst for a trophy still lingers. Sharma has been relentless in his pursuit since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where his selfless strategy and unwavering determination saw him steamroll through any opposition. His impressive tally of 597 runs in 11 innings, with an average of 54 and a strike rate of 125, was a sight to behold.
The Thirst for a Trophy: A Relentless Pursuit
However, the final match brought an unexpected turn of events. Sharma’s promising start of 47 off 35 deliveries was cut short by a spectacular catch from Travis Head. Following his dismissal, India’s momentum seemed to falter. With Kohli and Rahul struggling to hit boundaries and Iyer already dismissed, the cricketing dreams of a billion supporters seemed to be slipping away. To add to their woes, Travis Head’s century put the final nail in the coffin, marking a heartbreaking end to India’s World Cup journey.
The Comeback: India Returns to the Final
Fast forward eight months, and India is back in the final, with Sharma again leading the charge. His fiery 92 against Australia was a sweet revenge, and his steady 57 against England has set the stage for a thrilling finale. Sharma yearns to join the revered ranks of Dhoni, Kapil Dev, and Sourav Ganguly as a trophy-winning Indian captain.
The Challenge of History: India’s Past Performances in Final
India seems well-prepared to claim the championship, but history paints a different picture. The years 2023, 2016, and 2022 have all seen India falter at the final hurdle, their worst performances seemingly reserved for the grandest stage. But could this time be different? Will Rohit Sharma’s quest for glory be fulfilled? And will the hopes of over a billion people be rewarded with joy on Saturday night? Only time will tell.
