The 17-year wait has finally come to an end. India brings the World Cup home with a stunning victory against South Africa. All the players in the squad performed their respective roles with finesse ensuring that the long-awaited dream becomes a reality. The match wasn't a one-sided one. There were so many game-changing moments and awesome cricket that we got to witness. The number of twists and turns in the game made all the Indian fans glued to their TV screens watching with bated breaths, fingers crossed, and eyes brimming with thin line of hope of crossing the final endeavor. Victory in yesterday's match was such a heart-warming moment as it allowed us fans to finally come out of the heartbreak of the World cup loss against Australia last November.
Many sentimental fans (like me) were really tensed about yesterday's match as we were getting flashbacks and drawing parallels with the ODI World Cup. The two scenarios were eerily similar- an undefeated streak in the league matches which led to a heartbreaking loss in the final game. Somewhere we were scared where history might repeat, but thanks to an overall team effort- IT DID NOT.
The best part of T20 was the bromance of Rohit and Virat was on top throughout all the league games. The efforts of the bowlers too were top notch and that helped us defend low scores too. This T20 campaign was a collective effort which led to a well-deserved win. Watching the way Rohit collected the trophy and Rahul Dravid getting his due after so many years made everyone elated and emotional too.
This victory has given Hardik Pandya one of his biggest comebacks ever. From being trolled on getting appointed as the MI captain, to being booed by fans in his own home ground, to unwanted rumors- everything took a major toll on his mental health. Seeing him give a fitting comeback to all the haters in style and expressing his happy tears made everyone proud of him. Along with Hardik, even Virat Kohli was criticized a lot for his form in the league matches but he too answered in style with his bat on the D-day.
What surprises me sometimes is the nature of Indian cricket fans. During IPL it is 'Rohit Vs Kohli' but when it comes to international matches as team India, it becomes 'Ro & Ko', 'RohiRat' and many other such names. How fast the night changes!
Maybe this proves that during IPL season we are all divided as teams, individual players and laurels, but when it comes to the national team, everyone becomes one and cheers the loudest.
Wishing hearty congratulations to team India and eagerly waiting to watch more such classy cricket! The fact that both the stalwarts of the game Rohit and Virat are retiring from the format definitely has left a void in our heart but as they say: 'endings are new beginnings', looking forward to a new era of cricket with the youngsters carrying forward the legacy of both these players. The shoes to fill in are big, but I am sure that with the quality of cricket, respect and dedication they put into the game, they will definitely be able to shine and take Indian cricket to greater heights.
Once again congratulations team India! We will continue to stand by your side as your loyal fans. 😊
