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The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final witnessed a nail-biting clash between India and South Africa. With India needing to defend a modest total, South Africa needed 30 runs off the final 30 balls. Axar Patel's expensive 14th over, leaking 24 runs, threatened to derail India's chances of victory.
However, the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, made a crucial tactical decision to introduce Jasprit Bumrah into the attack in the death overs. Bumrah, known for his exceptional death bowling prowess, delivered a match-winning performance, restricting South Africa's scoring rate and securing a thrilling seven-run victory for India.
Virat Kohli, who had played a vital role with the bat, showered Bumrah with praise during the felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Recognizing the impact Bumrah's bowling had on the match, Kohli urged the crowd to applaud the fast bowler for bringing India back from a precarious position.
“I am sure like, everyone in this stadium, we also felt that - man, is it going to slip away? What I want everyone to do is applaud a guy, who brought us back in the tournament again, and again, and again. A huge shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah. We are lucky that he plays for us,” Kohli told a packed Wankhede after Team India's open bus parade.
Kohli's admiration for Bumrah went beyond words, with him even agreeing to sign a petition declaring Bumrah a national treasure. Presenter Gaurav Kapoor, during the special event at the Wankhede, proposed the idea, to which Kohli responded with an enthusiastic “I will sign it right now.”
The crowd at the Wankhede, inspired by Kohli's words, roared with applause for Bumrah, chanting “Boom Boom” to acknowledge the fast bowler's contributions. Bumrah, who has consistently been a crucial asset for India in high-pressure situations, proved once again why he is considered one of the best bowlers in the world.
This victory marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, especially considering their recent struggles in ICC tournaments. Bumrah's performance and Kohli's subsequent praise have solidified their positions as crucial pillars of India's cricketing success.
The T20 World Cup triumph serves as a testament to the power of teamwork and individual brilliance. Bumrah's impactful bowling, combined with Kohli's exceptional leadership and the collective efforts of the entire team, have brought joy to millions of cricket fans across the globe.