Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma applauded the star batter after his match-winning knock against South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 as well. Kohli played a brilliant innings of 76 (59) which helped the Indian team post a decent total after they were reduced to 34/3 in 4.3 overs. Kohli built an important stand with Axar Patel for the fourth wicket, adding 72 off 54 balls to bring India back into the game as well.
Following Patel’s dismissal in the 14th over Kohli stepped up in his innings after completing his half-century off 48 balls and helped India reach 176/7 in 20 overs as well. After Virat’s match-winning knock, Rajkumar Sharma praised the star batter and said that he was always sure that a big innings would come as he likes to bail his team out of tough situations.
“I was very sure because if you see his career he has always liked tough situations. He always likes challenges and it was there yesterday. We were 34/3 and needed someone to take the team along. Who else other than Virat would’ve done this? Something he’s been doing throughout his career and has won so many games from this position only. He did it for the country again. I’m really proud of him,” said Rajkumar Sharma in an exclusive conversation with India Today.
“I was very sure, he was playing well and middling it and knew that a big innings was around the corner. Big players are those who score on big occasions and when the team needs it which he has always done. It was a big decision for both and appreciate it. Rohit Sharma has set an example by announcing retirement after winning the world cup. On the other hand, Kohli who was the Player of the Match of that World Cup which is the best performance by any player from there he’s retiring. Both legends are going and it won’t be easy for the next generation to fill this gap but fortunately India have good youngsters and are capable of replacing them. However, they will take time to reach the heights Kohli and Rohit did but we have enough talent,” Rajkumar further said.
As far as the T20 World Cup final is concerned, chasing a target of 177, South Africa had the upper hand needing just 30 runs to win off the last 30 balls. However, Indian seamers bounced back and registered a narrow seven-run win as well. As a result, India ended their 11-year-long ICC Trophy drought by winning their second T20 World Cup as well.
