India Triumphed at the T20 World Cup 2024 but Who Deserved Player of the Match Award
In a thrilling final to the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious, clinching the title with a remarkable comeback against South Africa. The final, held in Barbados, saw India reclaim the T20 World Cup after 13 long years, thanks to a phenomenal effort by their bowlers.
South Africa, needing only 30 runs from 30 balls, seemed poised for victory. However, the Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, orchestrated a stunning turnaround. Bumrah’s relentless pace was followed by Arshdeep Singh’s disciplined bowling and finally, Hardik Pandya’s composed finishing, which restricted South Africa and secured India’s win.
Despite the bowlers’ heroics, the debate on who played the bigger role in the final remains heated. Virat Kohli, who scored a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls, was named Player of the Match. Kohli’s innings, though significant, sparked discussions, as many believed the bowlers were the true match-winners.
Kohli’s performance was a redemption of sorts, having had a lukewarm tournament until the final. His steady knock provided a solid foundation for India’s total, even as wickets tumbled around him. Some critics argued that Kohli received the award due to his star status, overshadowing the bowlers’ game-changing contributions.
Former cricketer and current commentator Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his view that a bowler deserved the Player of the Match award. Manjrekar highlighted the exceptional efforts of Bumrah and Arshdeep, particularly noting Arshdeep’s penultimate over, where he conceded just five runs, leaving 16 runs to be defended in the final over. Hardik Pandya successfully defended those runs, sealing the victory for India.
The final also featured a brilliant catch by Suryakumar Yadav on the boundary line, exemplifying the team’s collective effort in the field. This crucial moment, along with the disciplined bowling, underscored India’s resilience and determination to win.
India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered not just for the victory itself, but for the incredible comeback orchestrated by their bowlers, proving once again that cricket is a team sport where every role is crucial to success.
