Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain applauded his teammates for bouncing back when they were almost losing. It was India’s first T20 World Cup win since 2007 and also their first win in the final of an ICC tournament since 2013 as well. Under Rohit Sharma, India had dominated the 50-over World Cup last year before losing in the final, much like they had dominated the two-year Test Championship final before losing in the final against Australia twice. Rohit also added that India’s unbeaten run in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a result of the team’s behind-the-scenes work for the last three to four years as well.

“Very hard to sum up what we have been through for the last three-four years,” Rohit Sharma said. “To be honest, we worked very hard as individuals and as a team a team, a lot has gone on behind the scenes for us to be here today and win this game. It is not what we did today, it is what we have been doing for the last three-four years. That’s the result that has come for us today. We have played lots of high pressure games in the past as well and have been on the wrong side as well. But the guys understand what needs to be done. Today was the perfect example of when the back is against the wall, what is required. We stuck together as a team and the guys, all of us, even when at one point it was looking South Africa’s way.”

“Overall, as a team, as a group on the field, we wanted this really bad. We wanted to win this. To win a tournament like this, a lot goes behind the scenes, a lot of effort, a lot of minds need to come together. I am very proud of this bunch of boys I have and the management as well for giving us that liberty to go and play the to execute, for having that trust in each one of us. That has to start from the management, coach, captain and then the players go out there and do it. Throughout the tournament, I think we were fantastic. And credit needs to go to the management as well,” he again stated.

However, Virat Kohli, who had faced a poor run in the tournament, did well in the final. After India lost three early wickets, steadied India’s innings. He struggled his way to a 49-ball half-century before stepping up in the death overs. His 59-ball 76 helped India post a competitive 176 for 7 and earned him the Player of the Match award as well.

“Nobody was in doubt with Virat’s form,” Rohit Sharma concluded. “We know the quality he has, come the occasion the big players will stand up. Virat was holding that end up for us, we wanted someone to bat as long as possible. This wasn’t a wicket where a new guy could come and play straight. That’s where the experience of Virat comes through.”