India’s 17-year wait for another T20 World Cup title finally came to an end on June 29, 2024, as the Men in Blue triumphed over South Africa in a gripping final in the West Indies. It was a match filled with unforgettable moments, none more iconic than Suryakumar Yadav’s game-changing catch at long-off to dismiss David Miller—a moment that arguably sealed the win for India.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Stunning Catch: A Match-Turning Moment
In a recent interview with Star Sports, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma recalled the electric moment when Suryakumar took the dramatic relay catch. Positioned at long-off, Surya flew through the air to pluck what looked like a sure six off David Miller’s bat.
“Honestly, it was the moment of the match,” Rohit said. “I was at long-on, watching it unfold. It looked like a six—until Surya flew in and took that blinder. With the wind blowing in, I think it helped pull the ball back slightly.”
But the celebration had to wait. As is common with such tight calls near the boundary, the umpires reviewed the catch to ensure that Suryakumar hadn’t touched the rope. “Everyone’s heart was in their mouth,” Rohit admitted. “Even after he took it, the umpires were checking. I was standing next to him during the check. I asked him and he said, ‘I think I’ve caught it.’”
What followed were tense seconds as the third umpire reviewed the replay. “The zoom camera showed the rope didn’t move—which usually happens if it’s touched. That gave us some relief. But until the ‘OUT’ flashed on the big screen, you just don’t know,” Rohit said.
Rahul Dravid’s Final Shot at Glory
Rohit Sharma also opened up about head coach Rahul Dravid’s decision to stay on after the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. According to Rohit, Dravid was set to leave the role after the loss—but the team wasn’t ready to let him go just yet.
“Rahul bhai wanted to step down after the 2023 World Cup,” Rohit revealed. “But we said, ‘There’s another World Cup in six months. We’ve come this far. Let’s give it one more shot.’”
That encouragement turned out to be pivotal. Dravid agreed to stay on, and it culminated in a historic win that saw him finally lift an ICC trophy as a coach. “I’m sure even now he feels that he made the right decision,” Rohit added.
India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win is not just a triumph of talent—it’s a story of persistence, belief, and iconic moments that will live long in the memory of cricket fans worldwide.
