T20 World Cup Finals: India Needs to End Their 11-Year ICC Trophy Drought

No defending champion has ever reached the next final of the T20 World Cups, and Rohit Sharma’s India ensured this trend continued with a decisive 68-run victory over the 2022 T20 World champions, England. Now, India is set to face South Africa in the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 finals today at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Interestingly, both India and South Africa remain unbeaten in this tournament.

As India prepares for the formidable challenge, let’s explore how they can triumph over South Africa in the final.

Also Read: India vs South Africa: Clash Of Titans In T20 World Cup 2024 Final

How Can India Overcome the South African Challenge?

India’s Spin Trio a Threat to South Africa

Rohit Sharma has effectively utilized the slow pitches at Caribbean venues. The Indian spin bowling unit, consisting of Kuldeep Yadav (10 wickets), Axar Patel (8 wickets), and Ravindra Jadeja (1 wicket), has taken 19 wickets in the tournament, bowling a total of 47 overs at a cumulative economy rate of 6.66.

Tactically, these spinners have inflicted the most damage during the middle overs (7-15), potentially exposing South Africa’s middle order in the Grand Finale at Kensington Oval.

Indian Spinners at Kensington Oval

– Ravindra Jadeja: Two wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 12.14
– Kuldeep Yadav: Two wickets in one match at an economy rate of 8.0
– Axar Patel: One wicket in one match at an economy rate of 5.0

India’s Batting in Sublime Form Despite Kohli’s Lean Patch

This T20 World Cup has seen Virat Kohli not among the top five highest run-scorers for India. With only 75 runs in seven innings, Kohli is experiencing a lean patch.

However, India has still managed to post healthy totals, thanks to standout performances from Rohit Sharma (248 runs), Suryakumar Yadav (196 runs), Rishabh Pant (171 runs), and Hardik Pandya (139 runs).

With a deep batting lineup extending to Axar Patel at No. 8, India’s batting looks formidable.

Caribbean Pitches Are India-Friendly

India’s performance in the Super 8s and the Semi-Final against England has been exceptional. The slow pitches in the West Indies have favored India’s spinners and fast bowlers with genuine variations.

Additionally, the conditions resemble those in India, helping skipper Rohit Sharma make confident decisions on the field. Thus, India will feel more at home against South Africa at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.

Bumrah Enjoying Bowling with Arshdeep and Hardik

After Mohammed Siraj was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav following the USA leg of matches, Jasprit Bumrah’s pace attack has dominated opposing batting lineups.

Arshdeep Singh (15 wickets), the highest wicket-taker for India, has opened the bowling in this tournament. Alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya (8 wickets), Arshdeep has complemented Bumrah (13 wickets) in fast bowling, posing a significant threat to South Africa’s top order.

India Needs to End Their 11-Year ICC Trophy Drought

While India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, they have not claimed a World Cup trophy since their 2011 title and have not won an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Despite coming close on several occasions, India has faced numerous heartbreaks in ICC events.

Now, the Men in Blue have an opportunity to end their barren run in ICC tournaments, providing a major motivation to beat South Africa on Saturday.