REDEMPTION BECKONS IN T20 WORLD CUP FINAL!

Seven months after the heartbreaking loss to Australia last November which cost India a much-deserved ODI World Cup, Team India has marched into the T20 World Cup final. In a display of absolute dominance, India outclassed England in their clash in Guyana - and World Cup Glory beckons once again!

In a rematch of the 2022 semifinals, India faced England but this time the outcome was astonishingly different. As dominant as England’s previous win was, India demolished them by the same overwhelming margin, winning by 68 runs - a monumental feat in T20 cricket. In the rain-hit match, India’s ruthless dominance with bat and ball, left England’s defence of their T20 World Cup title in tatters.

Team Indian’s intent has been lauded by experts and fans alike throughout this World Cup. They embody a team that walks the talk of aggressive, dynamic play - a Mantra emphasized by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in numerous press interviews. Now, all eyes are on Saturday in Barbados, where India could be crowned the new T20 champions if they continue to play the same fearless brand of cricket that they have displayed through this tournament!

Sent in to bat first by Jos Buttler on what appeared to be a slow and low wicket, India immediately set the tone with a six from Virat Kohli off Reece Topley. However, Kohli was soon bowled while attempting another big shot. Though uncharacteristic, his intent was lauded by Rohit in a post-match media interaction. After Rishabh Pant also fell cheaply, it was a Suryakumar Yadav-Rohit Sharma show of outstanding quality. Their partnership of 73 priceless runs off just 50 balls steered India to a strong position.

A rain break after the powerplay did disrupt India’s momentum. After scoring a swift 50 off 36 balls, Rohit was undone by a googly from Adil Rashid that stayed cruelly low. These ominous signs for England were compounded when Hardik Pandya came to bat and faced deliveries that barely rose above ankle height and some even turned viciously.

Despite the challenging conditions, India amassed over 50 runs in the final five overs, setting a formidable target of 171- three more than what they managed in Adelaide two years ago - albeit under very different conditions and against a different bowling lineup. With Indian bowling in top form in recent games, 172 was clearly a tough target on a testing wicket.

England’s hopes now rested mainly on their greatest asset, Jos Buttler, who is familiar with Indian bowlers from his IPL stints and has been in good form. But after threatening briefly, he fell to Axar Patel’s first ball, reverse sweeping and top-edging to Pant. This key wicket opened the floodgates, and Indian bowlers began dictating terms to English batters. Axar picked up three wickets, and Kuldeep Yadav was also terrific, claiming three for 19 in his four overs.

Indian bowlers have been superb all through the tournament. Historically, it has often been the bowlers who excel in knockouts, while the batsmen sometimes fall short. But against England, it was a comprehensive team performance. Jasprit Bumrah ended England’s innings by dismissing Jofra Archer, claiming his second wicket of the match. In between, Kuldeep and Suryakumar Yadav executed run-outs, contributing to an amazing all-round performance.

In the final, India will face another undefeated team—South Africa. While India has been clinical in their victories, South Africa have consistently fought till the end to secure wins.

The final in Barbados promises to be a thrilling encounter. The pitch is expected to be good for batting, posing a tactical challenge for India. Shivam Dube, who has looked out of sorts all through this World Cup needs to be replaced. Kohli, struggling at the top, could be moved to his more comfortable number three position, with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening.

During MS Dhoni’s era, strategic changes in critical matches were not uncommon. However, the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid combo seems hesitant to alter their winning combination. But most experts believe that dropping Dube will only enhance India’s chances in the final.

It has been 17 years since India last won the T20 World Cup and 11 years since any ICC trophy graced the BCCI cabinet. A victory for India would spark massive celebrations across the country, marking a monumental achievement in their cricketing history.

As Team India steps onto the Barbados pitch on Saturday, the hopes of a billion fans rest on their shoulders. With a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic youngsters, the team looks poised to claim the title. All eyes will be on the Indian team as they aim to turn their World Cup dreams into reality, potentially heralding a new era of dominance in global cricket!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry, presently he is in New York for the World Cup coverage