Cricket

India's 17-year wait for T20 World Cup glory came to an end in emphatic fashion as they defeated South Africa in the final of the 2024 edition in Barbados. The victory marked a historic moment for Indian cricket, with veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing pivotal roles in the triumph.Kohli, who had announced his retirement from T20I cricket after the tournament, anchored India's innings in the final with a match-winning knock. His 82 runs off 53 balls provided the foundation for India's total of 195/6. Rohit Sharma, who had also stepped down as T20I captain after the tournament, contributed with a crucial 47 runs.South Africa's chase faltered in the face of India's disciplined bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yuzvendra Chahal shared seven wickets between them to restrict South Africa to 168/8.The victory sparked jubilation across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the chorus of congratulations. In a telephonic conversation with Kohli, Sharma, and head coach Rahul Dravid, Modi praised their contributions to Indian cricket."You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting, and captaincy have given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly," Modi said to Rohit Sharma.To Kohli, Modi hailed his anchoring role in the final. "Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You've shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you, but I am confident you'll continue to motivate the new generation of players," he said.Modi also acknowledged Dravid's guidance as head coach, saying, "Rahul Dravid's incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket. His unwavering dedication, strategic insights, and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team."The Indian team will now take a short break before regrouping for the Zimbabwe T20I series, which will feature a young crop of stars.

Virat Kohli's Stellar Performance Leads India to T20 World Cup Victory, Anushka Sharma Pens Heartfelt TributeFollowing India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma expressed her immense pride and love for her husband, star batter Virat Kohli. In a touching Instagram post, Sharma hailed Kohli as "my home" and celebrated his exceptional performance in the tournament.Kohli, who was a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, played a pivotal role in India's second T20 World Cup triumph. In the final against South Africa, he scored a magnificent 76 off 59 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helping India post a competitive total of 176 for seven.After leading the Men in Blue to victory and being named Player of the Match, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. Anushka, who was cheering for her husband from home in India, took to Instagram to share her joy and admiration."AND... I love this man @viratkohli. So grateful to call you my home - now go have a glass of sparkling water for me to celebrate this!" she captioned a photo of Kohli holding the trophy.In a separate post, Anushka congratulated Team India on their incredible achievement. "Our daughter's biggest concern was if all the players had someone to hug them after she saw them cry on tv..... Yes, My darling, they were hugged by 1.5 billion people. What a phenomenal victory and what a legendary achievement!! CHAMPIONS - CONGRATULATIONS!!" she wrote.The couple, who have a three-year-old daughter named Vamika and a four-month-old son named Akaay, have been married since 2017. Their love and support for each other has been evident throughout Kohli's illustrious career.

Virat Kohli's illustrious career reached its zenith with the addition of the elusive ICC T20 World Cup title to his trophy cabinet. Having already conquered the ODI World Cup (2011), Champions Trophy (2013), and U19 World Cup (2008), Kohli's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup marked a historic milestone.Despite facing scrutiny over his place in India's T20 team, Kohli silenced his critics with a match-winning half-century against South Africa in the final. His gritty 59-ball 76 propelled India to a competitive total of 176, which Rohit Sharma's men defended resolutely.Kohli's achievement is unparalleled in the annals of cricket. He became the first player to win all four major ICC white-ball trophies: the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and U19 World Cup. Even the legendary MS Dhoni, who holds all three ICC white-ball titles, did not manage to win the U19 World Cup.By adding the T20 World Cup trophy to his collection, Kohli joined Yuvraj Singh as the only players to have won all four ICC white-ball titles. However, Kohli's accomplishment is unique as he secured victory in all four titles, while Yuvraj shared the Champions Trophy in 2002.The only trophy missing from Kohli's collection is the Test Championship. He has been a part of two ICC Test Championship finals but has suffered defeats on both occasions. The talismanic batter will undoubtedly aim to complete his cricket legacy by winning the WTC title while donning the Team India whites.Kohli's T20 World Cup triumph is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing criticism and doubts, he rose to the occasion and delivered a match-winning performance. His achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

India Clinches Second T20 World Cup Title After 17 YearsAfter a nail-biting seven-run victory over South Africa, India has emerged victorious in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. This triumph marks India's second T20 World Cup title, coming 17 years after their inaugural win in 2007.The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with India facing an early setback after losing three wickets within the powerplay. However, star batter Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a match-winning 76 off 59 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 176 for seven.South Africa's chase started promisingly, but they were unable to maintain the momentum. India's bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami, kept the pressure on, restricting South Africa to 169 for six.Kohli, who was named Man of the Match, announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after the victory. He expressed his gratitude to the team and fans for their support throughout his career.The victory is a testament to India's resilience and determination. After two heartbreaking losses in major finals in the past year, the team showed immense character to overcome adversity and claim the coveted trophy.

Virat Kohli Retires from T20 Internationals After India's T20 World Cup TriumphIn a stunning announcement, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has retired from Twenty20 International cricket following India's victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The decision comes as a surprise to many, as Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time.Kohli's retirement announcement came after he played a pivotal role in India's 7-run victory over South Africa. The 33-year-old scored a match-winning 76 runs off 59 balls, helping India recover from a shaky start and post a competitive total of 176 for seven.Upon receiving the Man of the Match award, Kohli made the unexpected announcement that it was his last T20I match for India. "This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve," Kohli said. "One day you feel like you can't get a run and this happens, God is great. (It is) just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup."Kohli's decision to retire from T20Is is a significant moment in Indian cricket. He has been a mainstay in the team since making his debut in 2010 and has played a key role in India's success in the format. Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20Is, with 3,932 runs in 103 matches, and has scored 30 half-centuries and one century.Kohli's retirement will open up opportunities for younger players to step up and take on leadership roles in the Indian T20I team. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rishabh Pant are among the players who could fill the void left by Kohli's departure.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two legendary Indian cricketers, have faced speculation about their future in T20 cricket. After Kohli's retirement from the format, the focus has shifted to Sharma, who has been an integral part of India's T20 journey since 2007.Sharma's return to T20Is after a break in 2022 was seen as a strategic move to prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, with the tournament now behind them, the question arises: what's next for Rohit Sharma?The 2026 T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, will mark a new era for Indian cricket with a new coach, likely to be Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir may seek to utilize Sharma's experience, but the question remains whether it's wise to retain a 37-year-old player for two more years.One possibility is that Sharma will continue to be rested in T20Is, allowing him to be available when needed. However, if he decides to retire, he can be proud of his contributions as captain, leading India to numerous victories.The decision on Sharma's future will depend on several factors, including his fitness, form, and the team's needs. With the next T20 World Cup on the horizon, the Indian cricket board and Gambhir will have to carefully consider the best course of action for the team.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, proved his mettle in the high-stakes T20 World Cup final against South Africa, silencing his critics with a match-defining 76 off 59 deliveries.Kohli, who had endured a lean patch in the tournament, shrugged off the pressure to deliver a masterful innings at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. His knock was a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination.After India lost three wickets in the powerplay, Kohli steadied the ship, forging crucial partnerships with Axar Patel (47 off 31) and Shivam Dube (27). His 50-plus stand with Patel was particularly significant, as it helped India recover from a precarious position.Kohli's innings was a masterclass in timing and shot selection. He played with characteristic aggression, dispatching boundaries with ease. His trademark cover drives and wristy flicks were on full display, leaving the South African bowlers frustrated.With his half-century, Kohli equaled Pakistan's Babar Azam's record for most fifties in T20I cricket. The Indian opener now has 39 half-centuries to his name, a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.Kohli's innings was not just about runs; it was about inspiration. His presence at the crease gave the Indian team a sense of belief and confidence. His fighting spirit rubbed off on his teammates, who rallied around him to post a competitive total of 176 for 7.In the end, India fell short of their target, but Kohli's performance served as a reminder of his greatness. He proved that even in the face of adversity, he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the elite club of Indian cricketers with 100 T20 International appearances is a testament to his exceptional all-round abilities and unwavering determination. This milestone, achieved during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, places him alongside legendary figures Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have played 159 and 125 T20Is respectively.Pandya's journey to this landmark has been marked by his versatility and impact on the Indian team. Since his debut in 2016, he has consistently delivered with both bat and ball, contributing to India's success in numerous matches. His aggressive batting style and ability to hit big shots have made him a formidable force in the middle order, while his medium-pace bowling has provided crucial breakthroughs.Prior to the T20 World Cup final, Pandya had amassed 1487 runs at an average of 26.55 and claimed 81 wickets in T20I cricket. His all-round performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most valuable players in the Indian team.Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, leads the pack with 159 T20I appearances. Known for his explosive batting and ability to anchor the innings, Rohit has been a cornerstone of India's T20 setup. His leadership and experience have been crucial in shaping the team's strategy and performance over the years.Virat Kohli, with 125 T20Is to his name, is renowned for his aggressive batting style and extraordinary consistency. Kohli's ability to chase down challenging targets and his remarkable fitness have set new benchmarks in international cricket. His passion and dedication to the game have inspired a generation of cricketers.Hardik Pandya's entry into this prestigious club highlights his importance to the team and his resilience as a player. Despite facing injuries and challenges throughout his career, Hardik has always bounced back stronger, showcasing his determination and skill. His journey from a promising youngster to a seasoned campaigner reflects his hard work and dedication.As Hardik continues to represent India in T20Is, his contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team's pursuit of future victories. His all-round abilities and unwavering spirit make him an invaluable asset for the Indian team.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has been a consistent performer in high-stakes matches, according to former England cricketer Nasser Hussain. Despite a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Hussain believes Kohli's ability to deliver in crucial games remains unquestionable.Kohli's performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a testament to his big-match temperament. With India struggling, Kohli stepped up and played a match-winning knock, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.Hussain emphasized that Kohli's struggles in the ongoing tournament can be attributed to the challenging pitches in New York. However, he believes that the 35-year-old's class and experience will shine through in the future."I personally think Virat Kohli should bat like he's batted over the last decade. He's got a strike rate of 138. He can be the glue, the rock, you know, they all bat around, and they all come in playing their shots. You cannot doubt Kohli as a player. You cannot doubt him in a big match," Hussain said.Kohli's importance to the Indian team is evident in their dominant run in the tournament. They have defeated formidable opponents like Australia, Pakistan, and England, showcasing their all-around strength.In contrast, South Africa has had a more challenging path to the final. They have narrowly escaped defeat on several occasions, including against Bangladesh, Nepal, and the West Indies.As India and South Africa prepare to face off in the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial for the Men in Blue.