Emotions ran high throughout the team, with senior players facing immense pressure to deliver, while junior members aspired for steady spots on the team. The stakes were enormous, and the collective relief and joy following the win were palpable. The victory celebrations filled with joyous moments and tearful farewells. The team's emotional send-off for Dravid, Kohli, and Rohit was a testament to the deep bonds and shared experiences that have defined their journey.

Humans are peculiar creatures. Amidst our mundane routines, and inescapable problems of the self and the world, we find reasons to rejoice, both as an individual and en masse. While we remain acutely aware of individual, social, environmental, national, and international challenges and even the devastations of wars, we still find it in our hearts to enjoy sports and arts and cherish our heroes. The shared thrills in sports and arts provide a necessary respite, bring communities together, offering a glimpse of hope and a reason to bond. This ability to find happiness in creativity and competition is a testament to the resilient and joyful nature of humanity.

29th June 2024, proved to be a day filled with such moments for Indians. India deservingly lifted the ICC T-20 World Cup after defeating the mighty South African team in a nail-biting finish. The victory is monumental, coming 17 years after the inaugural win in 2007. This triumph not only breaks a long dry spell in this format but also rekindles the excitement and pride among fans and players alike. The victory is a exemplification of the team's growth and resilience over the years, highlighting their ability to adapt and excel in the ever-evolving landscape of T-20 cricket.

Moreover, the win holds special significance as it marks the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC world title since the team last clinched the ICC Championship in 2013. This prolonged gap has been filled with near misses and rebuilding phases, making the current success all the more gratifying. The triumph reinforces the team's status as a global cricketing powerhouse and underscores the strategic and tactical acumen that has been honed over the years. For the coach, the captain, and the seniors in the team, this victory is particularly meaningful.

The coach Rahul Dravid, whose strategies and leadership have been instrumental, finds his efforts and vision vindicated. The captain Rohit Sharma, often under immense pressure and scrutiny, solidifies his legacy with this win. The great Virat Kohli, who was going through a bad patch, crafted a brave knock in the finals to steer his team to a sweet victory and went on to win the ‘Player of the Match’ trophy. For Hardik Pandya, who was going through rough times as a player and a person, the wicket taking spell and the victory is a reward for his unwavering dedication and hard work over the years, while it also inspires the younger members of the squad. Jaspreet Bumrah had a dream run in the entire tournament and the final match was no exception. His accuracy and consistency proved to be the most valuable asset for the team in the tournament and he was deservingly rewarded with the ‘Player of the Tournament’ trophy.
Players rose to the occasion, delivering crucial performances at the moments that mattered. Kohli's determination and skill were on full display as he anchored key innings, while Pandya's all-round capabilities provided much-needed balance and firepower. Their performances were vital in navigating the team through difficult situations, exemplifying their ability to rise to the occasion and reminding everyone of their match-winning potential. However, an unbelievable running catch on the boundary line by Suryakumar Yadav was what turned the match completely in India’s favour. That moment will be etched in the minds of fans for a long, long time!

The success of Rahul Dravid (The Wall) as a coach has been a significant talking point. Known for his calm demeanor and cricketing intellect, Dravid's influence is evident in the team's strategic approach and mental toughness. His coaching style, which focuses on building a cohesive unit and nurturing young talent, has paid off spectacularly. Dravid's methods have fostered a sense of belief and unity within the squad, which were crucial elements in their journey to becoming champions.

The celebrations following the victory were particularly memorable, highlighted by the uncharacteristically exuberant reactions from the retiring coach. Known for his composed and restrained public persona, Dravid’s joyous outburst clearly showed the deep emotional investment and relief that the victory brought. He was never able to lift a world cup when he played for India, but on his final day as coach, his team gifted him the trophy and his joy knew no bounds! His display of raw emotion resonated with fans and players, adding a layer of personal triumph to the professional achievement. Dravid's light-hearted comment about being "unemployed from next week" added a touch of humor to the emotional moment, making it even more memorable.

The team bid farewell to Dravid in style, bouncing him on their shoulders, celebrating his contributions and the indelible mark he has left on Indian cricket. The emotional send-off was a fitting tribute to a coach who has shaped the team with his wisdom and guidance.
 

Adding to the emotional rollercoaster, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from T-20 cricket. Kohli's decision, though anticipated, marked the end of an era. Rohit's announcement came as a surprise, a spontaneous decision driven by the desire to retire on a high note.

Kohli’s excellence with the bat in the T20 format is legendary. His ability to chase down daunting targets, his versatility in adapting to different pitches and conditions, and his consistency in scoring runs have made him a linchpin of the Indian batting lineup and earned him the title “The Run Machine”. Kohli’s T20 career is studded with numerous memorable innings, where he single-handedly steered the team to victory. His impeccable timing, placement, and ability to accelerate the scoring rate without taking undue risks set him apart from his contemporaries.

As a captain, Kohli brought a new dimension to the Indian T20 team. His aggressive captaincy, combined with his tactical nous, inspired the team to push the boundaries of their potential. Kohli’s leadership style was characterized by his infectious energy, fierce determination, and a relentless drive to win. He led by example, often being the leading run-scorer and the backbone of the team’s batting order. Under his captaincy, India achieved several notable victories and maintained a formidable record in bilateral series and ICC tournaments. The 2024 T20 World Cup was particularly important for Kohli. Deciding beforehand that it would be his last appearance in the tournament, Kohli was determined to leave a mark. Throughout the tournament, he was out of form, but his performance in the final, where he played a pivotal innings to guide India to victory, was evidence of his enduring class and unwavering commitment to the team’s success.

Rohit Sharma, known as "The Hitman," has been a cornerstone of Indian T20 cricket with his extraordinary batting prowess and unique captaincy. His career in the T20 format is marked by explosive innings, rapid run-scoring, and a laid back, almost lazy demeanor that belies his aggressive style of play. Sharma’s ability to play big innings and his knack for hitting sixes have made him one of the most feared batsmen in T20 cricket. His multiple centuries in the format, a rare feat, highlight his skill and dominance. Rohit's effortless batting style, marked by elegant stroke play and powerful hitting, has often demoralized bowling attacks and provided India with strong starts or decisive finishes. As a captain, Sharma has shown a keen cricketing brain and an ability to remain composed under pressure. His leadership in the T20 format has been instrumental in several of India’s key victories. Rohit’s strategic acumen, coupled with his ability to handle high-pressure situations has often enabled the team to navigate through challenging matches. Having made his debut in the 2007 T-20 World Cup and now leading the team to victory as captain, Rohit felt it was the perfect moment to bow out, leaving the fans teary eyed.
 

Emotions ran high throughout the team, with senior players facing immense pressure to deliver, while junior members aspired for steady spots on the team. The stakes were enormous, and the collective relief and joy following the win were palpable. The victory celebrations filled with joyous moments and tearful farewells. The team's emotional send-off for Dravid, Kohli, and Rohit was an expression of the deep bonds and shared experiences that have defined their journey.

Overall, the night was a blend of triumph and nostalgia, marking a milestone in the history of Indian cricket. The victory not only brought immense pride but also highlighted the spirit of resilience and unity that has driven the team. It was a fitting finale to an unforgettable tournament, leaving fans and players with memories to cherish for a lifetime. The euphoria of the victory was tinged with the bittersweet announcements from THE WALL, THE RUN MACHINE, and THE HITMAN. June 29, 2024, will forever be remembered as a day of triumph, farewells, and new beginnings in Indian cricket.

Rucha Mulay
kartavyasadhana@gmail.com 

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