An emotional moment between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was captured after India defeated England to advance to the T20 World Cup 2024 final. From Adelaide to Guyana, Rohit Sharma’s redemption journey is complete. From being crushed by 10 wickets to dismantling England by taking all 10 of their wickets, Rohit and India march onto the T20 World Cup final. The sight of Rohit breaking down in the dugout after their T20 World Cup final hopes were dashed left a lasting impression. It took two years, but revenge was served cold as India annihilated England by 68 runs in a one-sided contest, qualifying for their second World Cup final in seven months.
This win calls for celebration, but a bigger goal awaits Rohit and the boys: the final, in just two days. Understanding the gravity of the moment, while the rest of the team celebrated exuberantly, Rohit maintained a stoic composure. After India bowled England out for 103 in their chase of 172 and the team finished shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, Rohit quietly sat in the balcony of the dressing room, lost in his thoughts. Virat Kohli, Rohit’s steadfast comrade, attempted to cheer up his skipper, hoping to coax a smile out of him. But it wasn’t to be. Rohit sat on that chair, his razor-sharp focus already set on Saturday’s final against South Africa.
In the past year, Rohit has led India to the final of three ICC events: the World Test Championship in June 2023, the 50-overs World Cup in November, and now this. Seven months ago, many said this was India’s best chance to win a World Cup, but the opportunity ahead in 36 hours is even greater. It’s fitting that the two unbeaten teams in the tournament will face off in the T20 World Cup final. For India, this may be the best opportunity to end a decade-long agonizing wait.
Under Rohit’s leadership, India has lost just two World Cup/Championship games out of the last 18. During this period, Rohit has led from the front, setting an example for the entire team. He was the driving force behind transforming India’s approach to T20 cricket. Realizing on November 10, 2022, that India needed to be seen as a serious and potent threat, he discarded the timid approach and introduced a bold new template. Rohit adopted this aggressive style during the 50-overs World Cup, nearly taking India to victory. Months later, nothing has changed as Rohit continues to embody this new, dynamic Indian T20I set-up.
If you thought his innings of 92 against Australia was excellent, Rohit’s 57 off 39 balls was even more impressive. The ball stayed low and had absolutely no pace, with Adil Rashid’s deliveries seemingly taking an eternity to reach Rohit. Yet, playing a completely contrasting innings to the one in St. Lucia, Rohit read the conditions better than anyone else. With six fours, two sixes, and a painfully long rain interruption, the skipper didn’t miss a beat. At the other end, Suryakumar Yadav, a giant in T20 cricket, did his own thing, scoring 47 off 36 balls, but Rohit’s knock stood out. It was probably one of the most clutch innings of his career.
