Emotions ran high as India won the Twenty20 World Cup title on Saturday with their seven-run victory over South Africa, ending its 11-year wait for an ICC title. While captain Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from the T20 International format, was seen planting a kiss on tearful Hardik Pandya, batting ace Virat Kohli, who too bowed out from the format, broke down in tears.
Just after Hardik's last bowl, which saw the end of South Africa's innings, emotions took over. While Hardik fell on his knees shedding tears of joy, the Indian support staff were seen running to the field. Rohit Shama too lay on the ground, before getting up. He was tearing up as he shook hands with a disappointed South African team.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma kiss to hardik Pandya pic.twitter.com/5HGCCzBzhm
— Mujahidur Rahman (@Mujahidur45) June 29, 2024
For Hardik, the victory was kind of an atonement and a huge relief. He had recently come under intense scrutiny and criticism during his IPL stint which saw him booed incessantly by Mumbai Indians (MI) fans. As a captain of MI, Hardik failed and the five-time winners were the first side to bow out of the playoff race last season.
He, however, regained his form during the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Defending 15 runs in the final over leading to India's win, Hardik, who was instrumental in the win, called the experience very emotional.
"It means a lot. Very emotional, we'd been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, is how my last 6 months were, I haven't spoken a word. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them," Hardik said in a post-match presentation.
Coach Rahul Dravid celebrated, sharing a long hug with Virat. Mohammed Siraj who hasn’t been a part of the Playing XI shed happy tears. Captain Rohit and Kohli too share a hug. They were later seen wrapped up in India's flag, taking a victory lap.
In a rare show of emotions, Rahul Dravid was seen screaming as he held the trophy. This is also his last tournament as the coach of the national team.
