On this day last year, India ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, capping it with emotional farewells for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
New Delhi [India], June 29 — Exactly one year ago today, Indian cricket scripted one of its most emotional and thrilling chapters by winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a tense final. The win ended India’s 11-year-long ICC trophy drought, bringing the nation its second T20 World Cup crown—seventeen years after its first in 2007.
The moment was made even more poignant as Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after lifting the trophy, walking away with heads held high and hearts full.
Rohit Sharma, captaining India for the first time in an ICC final, fulfilled his long-standing dream of leading the country to a world title. He had an outstanding tournament, scoring 257 runs in eight innings at an average of 36.71 and a blazing strike rate of over 155, finishing as the second-highest run-getter.
On the bowling side, Arshdeep Singh emerged as India’s breakout star, claiming 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.64, with an economy rate under 8—making him the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
In the final, India opted to bat but was reduced to 34/3, setting the stage for a classic Virat Kohli rescue act. After a quiet tournament, Kohli delivered under pressure with a vintage 76 off 59 balls, supported by Axar Patel’s 47 off 31 balls. Their partnership lifted India to a defendable 176/7.
South Africa’s chase was steady and dangerous, especially after Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 52 off 27 balls, which included a brutal 24-run over off Axar Patel. At one stage, the Proteas needed just 30 runs off the final 30 balls, but Hardik Pandya’s dismissal of Klaasen in the 16th over turned the tide.
The most unforgettable moment of the final came in the last over—Suryakumar Yadav’s boundary-rope brilliance as he pulled off a stunning airborne catch to dismiss David Miller, sealing India’s win and sparking nationwide celebrations.
South Africa ended their innings at 169/8, falling just short despite a valiant effort. The win was not just about reclaiming an ICC trophy; it was a symbolic farewell for two of India’s greatest cricketers.
As India marks the first anniversary of the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, fans remember the glory, the grit, and the goodbyes. It was a moment that united the nation, celebrated resilience, and gave a fitting send-off to two legends of the modern game.