The 2024 T20 World Cup final will forever be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. It was a nail-biting encounter, decided by a hair’s breadth, with Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular catch at the long-off boundary proving to be the turning point. But for the man himself, the victory was about more than just that one moment.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Suryakumar Yadav, the world’s number one T20I batsman, revealed the crucial role played by captain Rohit Sharma and outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid in India’s triumph. He highlighted the team talks by both leaders, which instilled a sense of collective responsibility and unshakeable belief in the players.
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as Hitman, wasn’t one for complex strategies. He emphasized simplicity, but also stressed the importance of teamwork. “He (Rohit Sharma) told us to keep it simple,” shared SKY, “but also that ‘I can’t climb this mountain alone. If I have to reach the peak, I will need everyone’s oxygen. Bring whatever you have in your legs, head and heart. If that happens, we will not regret tonight’.”
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Suryakumar went on to describe Rohit’s leadership style as one that fosters a strong connection with his players. “He connects with the players,” he said. “Off the field, be it in a hotel room, or on the beach, he connects with everyone. So when a crunch situation comes, players know that he will back us. One feels ‘I need to deliver for this man, for the confidence and respect he gives to everyone’.”
The victory, however, wasn’t just about the final moments. SKY revealed two specific moments from the night that would stay with him forever, and surprisingly, neither of them involved his game-changing catch.
The first was a display of pure, unadulterated joy from the captain. “That 30-second clip, when he took the trophy in his hand and screamed… that moment when he expressed his happiness,” said SKY, describing the moment Rohit Sharma hoisted the coveted trophy. “I think I will save that clip for life,” he added, showcasing the camaraderie within the team.
The second memory involved a more lighthearted yet equally emotional moment. “The way he fell down, ate some grass off the ground and tasted some mud on the pitch,” SKY chuckled, describing Rohit’s dramatic fall to the ground after India’s win. “These moments will stay with me for a long time,” he said.
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Rahul Dravid, known for his calm and composed demeanor, employed a unique strategy to motivate the team before the final. “He (Rahul Dravid) showed us a graph of the number of T20 games the entire Indian squad had played,” recalled SKY. “That number was 800-plus. Then, he showed us a second slide that had the number of games the entire coaching staff, including Rahul bhai, had played. That number was one.”
Dravid’s message was clear: while the coaching staff provided guidance, it was the players’ vast experience in the T20 format that would ultimately determine the outcome. He empowered the players to trust their instincts and make the right decisions on the field.
With a potent blend of inspirational leadership, unwavering belief within the team, and a dash of humor, India scripted a historic victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup. And for Suryakumar Yadav, the memories of that night, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.
